Technical Guidelines for Integrated Disease Surveillance ... - PHRplus

3. Select appropriate communication methods that are available in the district, for example: Radio Television Newspapers Meetings with health personnel, and with trusted and respected community, religious andpolitical leaders Posters Fliers Presentations at markets, health centers, schools, women’s and other community groups, serviceorganizations, religious centers.Make arrangements with media programmers, meeting planners, etc. on how public service announcementsand other important information for the community can be presented in the event of a disease outbreak.4. Appoint a community liaison officer or health staff to serve as spokesperson to the media in the eventthat an outbreak occurs. Prepare the person to serve in that capacity.5.2 Implementing the response5.2.1 Select an appropriate responseWhen an outbreak is confirmed or a need for public health action is identified, review the investigationresults and data analysis conclusions. Refer to the disease-specific guidelines and select response activities thatinvolve:Proven measures to prevent unnecessary deaths or disabilities due to the current outbreakA mix of control and prevention activities to curb the problem in the short term and reduce the risk ofongoing transmission in the long termParticipation from the community, health care facilities and the district personnel.Refer to Section 9 for disease-specific epidemic response activities.5.2.2 Plan response activities specific to the outbreakThe district epidemic response plan outlines general, ongoing preparedness. Additional planning is neededonce an outbreak has been identified, to address the contingencies of that specific outbreak, for example, thedisease, the location of the outbreak, the need for additional resources. Consider the district response plan inconjunction with the needs of the current outbreak when finalizing the specific response. Address the followingissues:1. If emergency response funds are needed, implement the procedures set up for obtaining them from theregional or national level.2. If suspected disease is laboratory confirmable, implement the procedures set up for correctly collectingand transporting specimens to the appointed laboratory. This is especially important for specimenscoming from a remote location. As noted in the plan, make sure the specimens are: Kept at the recommended temperature Arrive at the laboratory as quickly as possible58Technical Guidelines for Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response in Ghana