IEC strategies for CHVs

Information, Education & Communication (IEC) strategies for community health volunteers (CHVs) are: 

Standardised TB training

• Training for all CHVs should be conducted through standardised training material approved and published under the Central TB Division (CTD)
• E – modules available on Swasth e-Gurukul platforms should be used in order to maintain uniformity of the training processes as well as for conducting pre and post training assessments
• Regular capacity building workshops for CHVs may be conducted along with CTD and partner organizations as per the need of the localities identified.

Dissemination of simplified IEC tools to all the CHVs

• NTEP’s IEC material must be simplified, translated to local language and must be provided to all CHVs through the programme.
• Program / medical jargon (e.g.: District Microscopy centre (DMC)/ rapid molecular tests) must be avoided for ease of understanding.
• All CHVs must be equipped with necessary permissions and facilities required to display these IEC materials across common access areas, public walls, canteens, factories entry/exit points etc.

TB related events and community engagement activities

• Under the supervision of District TB Officers (DTOs), the CHVs must be guided and supported for organising events on the occasion of World TB Day, Village Health and Nutrition Day etc., with a focus to increase understanding of the prevailing TB scenario and also their commitment towards TB elimination. 
• Community engagement activities must be conducted by the CHVs and should involve role plays, street plays (Nukkad Naatak on TB), video vans, group meetings, outdoor communications especially in the high-risk areas/vulnerable populations. 

Training on NTEP’s digital initiatives for TB elimination

• All CHVs must be trained on the functioning of TB Arogya Saathi - a citizen and patient application launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India that connects patients to TB health care services.
• Ni-kshay Sampark the TB helpline (Toll free number: 1800- 11-6666) must be made accessible to all CHVs across various states through which they can seek reliable information.  
• CHVs must be well-informed about the Nikshay Poshan Yojana and other financial support schemes (travel support, tribal patient support etc.) available for TB patients under NTEP’s direct beneficiary transfer (DBT)

Resources: 

National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Elimination 2017–2025, CTD, 2017 

N Sharma, A Nath, D Taneja, G Ingle. A Qualitative Evaluation Of The Information, Education And Communication (IEC) Component Of The Tuberculosis Control Programme In Delhi, India. The Internet Journal of Tropical Medicine. 2007 Volume 4 Number 2.
 

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