Abstract
The objectives of this project were to empower “Health Communicators” (NorSorSor) who communicate information on health in Phrae and Kanchanaburi Provinces as well as to enable NSS groups to operate independently. Additional objectives were to train some NSS members as “facilitators” in order to establish a new generation of NSS, to extend the principles of local health communication to people in nearby provinces, and to analyze results in preparation for policy recommendations. This research was conducted under the principle of Participatory Action Research.
As part of a one-year operation establishing the NorSorSor Clubs, both in Phrae and Kanchanaburi provinces, the selected committees managed the groups by focusing on understanding the objectives of the work, providing communication channels, holding meetings, conducting regular unofficial meetings, and providing the lists of NSS members. From these initiatives, the NSS members were able to work together. In addition, an opening ceremony was held to introduce the NSS group and to extend the communicator networks in the area. Some potential health communicators were additionally trained to become facilitators which will enable this group to successfully establish a new generation of NorSorSor. In addition, they disseminated their ideas and local work experiences through various media such as an advertising spot, a brochure, a video and a special meeting with relevant persons from 8 nearby provinces; Nan, Lamphun, Lampang, Uttaradit, Phayao, Nakhon Pathom, Rachaburi, and Phetchaburi. This meeting attracted much interest and encouraged coordinated expansion into other areas.
The result from the operation shows that the features of local health communication work consist of 1) Health Communicators (NorSorSor) who pay attention and possess a sense of public spirit, including abilities to support and co-operate together and link this work with their everyday responsibilities; 2) integration of NorSorSor as a significant working force in the community; 3) information and knowledge about health; 4) communication channels through personal and local media; and 5) the support of society at large, especially at a provincial level.
In order to communicate local health communication in Thai society, the need for local health communicators and local health communication must be recognized and established as a part of health management system. In addition, mechanism should be created to enhance the pride of health communicators by offering a chance to show their results, to provide sustainable networks which are supported by society of both local and national levels.
