8.3.1  Types of communication channels

  1. Interpersonal channels — such as face-to-face communication, home visits, training, group discussions, and counselling — are generally best for giving credibility to messages, providing information, and teaching complex skills that need two-way communications between the individual and the health workers.
  2. Broadcast channels, such as radio and television, generally provide broad coverage for communication of messages by reaching a large number of the target audience quickly and frequently.
  3. Print channels, such as pamphlets, flyers, and posters, are generally considered best for providing a timely reminder of key communication messages (Figure 8.5).
A poster message with a baby on the front. The baby is receiving some medicine.
Figure 8.5  Posters can be an effective way of communicating simple health messages. (Photo: Joshua Trevino)

8.3.2  The rules for selecting channels