AfriComNet Integrates Virtual Elements into Practicum on Monitoring and Evaluation in Accra

Representatives from countries throughout Africa are convening this week in Accra, Ghana, for an interactive three-day practicum focused on health communication monitoring and evaluation.

The practicum brings together communication program implementers, researchers, donors and other stakeholders from the private and public sector to share experiences, methodologies, tools and understanding of social and behavior change communication (SBCC) theory, monitoring and evaluation. The African Network for Strategic Communication in Health and Development (AfriComNet) is the lead organizer of the event.

The practicum began with opening remarks by AfriComNet Coordinator Charles Kakaire, AfriComNet and Board ChairmanPeter Mwarogo, with an official opening delivered by the Guest of Honor, Ghana’s Minister of Health, the Honorable Ms. Sherry Ayittey, to more than 80 practitioners from across the continent.

Doug Storey, Assistant Professorand Director for Communication Science & Research at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Communication Programs, was the keynote speaker. His presentation – “If You Don’t Measure It, It Didn’t Happen: Using M&E to Strengthen Your Programs and Tell Your Story” – is now available in AfriComNet’s dedicated virtual group space – Practicum on Health Communication Monitoring and Evaluation – on the recently launched Springboard for Health Communication.

Springboard is an online social network for professionals to connect around topics related to SBCC. As a benefit for attendees, AfriComNet added an element of virtual activity with pre-event communication (in the form of the practicums’ agenda as seen here), updates on the proceeding during the event, with the ability to reach out to those following the discussion post-event, as well.

AfriComNet’s use of the Springboard demonstrates the power of social platforms to extend the reach of capacity building activities and engage the global audience of health communication practitioners.

Follow activity around the practicum, and participate by registering for Springboard.