INDIGENOUS COMMUNICATION, HEALTH MOBILIZATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN CURBING CHOLERA OUTBREAK IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA
Keywords:
Indigenous communication, Mbebe language, Sustainable Development Goals, Health MobilizationAbstract
This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of indigenous communication in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6, in curbing cholera outbreaks in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Survey research was adopted, while questionnaire and in-depth interview were used as instrument of data collection. Data were generated from a sample of 170 respondents randomly selected from three health facilities in the study area. Findings from the study revealed a very high acceptance (76.5%) of Mbebe language and Nigerian pidgin in health mobilization in Obubra LGA. Furthermore, interviewed health workers affirmed high participation of respondents to health mobilization programmes when the two communication approaches are adopted admitting that the use of radio and television is often met with disappointment as a result of poor signals and technical glitches. Thus, it was recommended that the sustained use of indigenous communication approach should be strengthened by health agents especially in areas where strong attachments are given to it.
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