ACSM activities at different levels

Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization (ACSM) activities must place the individual at the centre and bring in the family, community and society to bring about sustained changes in TB perceptions and behaviours. ACSM activities must target these 4 groups accordingly:

1. Individual: Specific interventions that ensure sustained engagement of people or individuals in maintaining positive behaviours/ changing to desired behaviours. E.g., counselling, use of positive TB messages, message by TB champions, etc.
2. Family: Interventions that create an enabling environment for promoting positive behaviour change and developing necessary skills for a person affected by TB. E.g., counselling of the entire family.
3. Community: Mobilizes groups toward a common goal, raises local resources and fosters support and awareness for TB-related issues. E.g., conducting TB awareness campaigns in public meeting places, melas, street dramas, etc. 
4. Society: Advocates for rights-based and socially inclusive approaches and seek support for the TB programme. E.g., workshops and seminars to drive change in legislation, policy, partnerships and resource allocation.

Aimed at individuals, families, communities, and the society, varied ACSM activities are undertaken at the national, state, district and community levels to:

• Create awareness and an enabling environment
• Build capacities to bring about desired changes in TB-related health behaviour
• Sustain positive behaviour

These are shown in the figure below.

Figure: ACSM Activities Spanning Across All Levels

Resources

• Operational Handbook on Advocacy, Communication, and Social Mobilization (ACSM), NTEP, 2014.
• NTEP Training Modules 5-9 for Programme Managers & Medical Officers, 2020.

Assessment