ACSM goals for TB Elimination

Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization (ACSM) strategies are directed at achieving specific goals in terms of TB elimination.

They are:

• Setting and developing the policy based on the latest evidence
• Mobilizing political commitment and resources for TB
• Improving case detection and treatment adherence
• Widening the reach of services
• Combating stigma and discrimination
• Empowering people affected by TB and the community at large

It is useful to determine how ‘ideal behaviour’ in the community relates to these goals. The ‘ideal behaviour’ which is promoted through messages and ACSM strategies should be connected to the overall goal of the TB programme. A few examples of this are:

• For the general public: Going to a healthcare provider at the first signs of possible TB infection (ideal behaviour) relates directly to the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) goal of increasing the case-detection rate for TB.
• For healthcare providers: Following the standards set for the treatment of TB – includes knowing what regimen, how to administer anti-tubercular therapy and what treatment path to take in case of multidrug-resistant or extensively drug-resistant TB. This relates to treatment adherence and outcomes.

The ACSM goals are planned in such a way as to achieve/ address:

• Structural or systemic issues (such as the lack of community Direct Observation Treatment, Short-course (DOTS) programmes)

• Communication interventions (such as behaviour change)

• Individual and social barriers (such as stigma, risk perception and knowledge among populations and health staff)

• Social mobilization activities that promote changes throughout a community or priority group.

Resources

1. Advocacy, Communication & Social Mobilization (ACSM) for Tuberculosis Control - A Handbook for Country Programmes, WHO, 2007.
2. Operational Handbook on Advocacy, Communication & Social Mobilization for RNTCP, Central TB Division, MoHFW, GoI, 2014.

Assessment: