Communicating health through signage

One of the things I find so interesting about the public health field (and indeed, many other areas of life) is the way that communication is used. Messages are conveyed differently depending on the behavior change being targeted, the communication types found to be most effective in that specific community, and the population. One of the most important thing to consider, but that is often the most complex to address, is the unique cultures and perceptions of the people wherever you are. Think of the ZeroMeth campaign in Alabama, or the national “Got Milk” campaign across the US. Who do they target, what is their goal, do you think they were effective in what they were trying to do?

This is something that Medicine on the Move is currently exploring within the local context as we develop our health messages. In order to avoid “reinventing the wheel”, we need to explore concepts of disease and specific needs in the communities we hope to reach and find ways of crafting the messages to impact those who need to hear them. I would love to hear from those of you with health communication experience and any experience or advice you might have. With your help, we CAN make a difference!

In the meantime, enjoy some snapshots of various health communication campaigns and messages here in Ghana! Local artists are often hired to help create message boards (which help the local economy) Ghanaian celebrities pitch in too just like in the US, not to mention corporate sponsorships as well.

This was one of the most widespread campaigns seen in Ghana as an effort to reduce the spread of HIV. This sticker was put on public transportation vehicles across the nation and was also visible as a billboard in numerous locations across Ghana.