Planning IEC activities at TU Level [By STS]

Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategies for Senior Treatment Supervisor (STS)

STS holds a key responsibility in planning and implementing IEC activities in the Tuberculosis Unit (TU). STSs help the Medical Officer TB of the TU to plan IEC activities across the TU. 

STS should collaborate with the Block Education Officer or District IEC Officer in implementing the planned IEC activities. 

A few important IEC strategies advocated for STSs under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) are:

1. Provide continuous training to the staff of health facilities under his/ her jurisdiction. 

2. Sensitise media and programme staff about language so as to avoid stigmatising. 

3. Engage with the media (print, TV, radio, digital) 

4. Expand Helpline (patients/ providers) of all states, mobile campaign (SMS/ voice SMS) 

5. Assess, revise and disseminate patient education literature 

6. Simplify messages so they are understood by the community – avoid programme/ medical jargon – e.g. DMC/ ICTC/ TU/ rapid molecular tests etc.  

7. Disseminate patients' charter at the community level

8. Educate the community regarding the use of TB Arogya Sathi 

Resources

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

Assessment