Scenario: What would you do?

Imagine this scenario

You have been appointed as a public health specialist in a remote rural area, where civil unrest has recently increased. It has complicated providing even basic health services, such as polio immunization. The immunization rate for other diseases is also very low. There are rumors circulating that the polio vaccine is a part of a strategy by the government to sterilize children in their ethnic group.

What would you do in this scenario to increase community engagement?

To help you formulate your response to this scenario, consider these points from the lecture:

• Rothman’s Model of Community Change and Organization

• Who the community is in this scenario, including possible sub-groups and variation of beliefs

• Stakeholders and leaders in the community who have a better understanding of community concern and need.

• Community engagement techniques from the lecture Introduction to Community Engagement

Please take a moment to share your thoughts in the discussion.