C-Change publication provides guidance to male circumcision programs adapting communication materials

Monday, February 20, 2012

VMMC-Communication-Materials-Adaptation-Guide A new C-Change publication, Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) Communication Materials Adaptation Guide, offers comprehensive communication guidance for VMMC programs scaling up services in new settings. The guide is part of a VMMC Communication Toolkit that was developed through close collaboration with the National Male Circumcision (MC) Task Force, Nyanza Provincial MC Task Force, and implementing partners in Kenya.

The publication is particularly relevant for program managers who lack the resources and time to develop social and behavior change communication (SBCC) materials to support informed demand for VMMC services. While the guide focuses on adapting SBCC materials on VMMC, the principle in the guide can be applied to other health areas.

The guide details a 10-step process for adapting materials and products. Steps include engaging with stakeholders and employing the VMMC communication strategy; assessing the time and cost of an adaptation; developing a creative brief that guides the process; and conducting concept tests and pre-tests with members of intended audiences. An appendix includes a flowchart that outlines the decision-making about adaptation; another appendix provides guidance on conducting audience consultations; and a third appendix includes a creative brief template.

The process detailed in the guide is based on C-Change’s work on VMMC communication at both the national level and in Nyanza Province in Kenya; and the participatory processes that the project uses to develop SBCC materials. It is also being used to support improved VMMC communication in other countries in sub-Saharan Africa and in other provinces in Kenya.