Call for Abstract Submission: Public health communication in Sub-Sahara Africa: Addressing misinformation on health issues
Dear contributors,
We invite you to submit abstracts for "Public health communication in Sub-Sahara Africa: Addressing misinformation on health issues"
The landscape of public health communication in Sub-Saharan Africa is rapidly evolving, with misinformation posing a significant challenge to effective health interventions and outcomes. The spread of false or misleading health information, accelerated by digital platforms and social media, has profound implications for public health policies, community trust, and individual health behaviors. In response to this critical issue, the public health sector in Sub-Saharan Africa must develop innovative, culturally sensitive, and sustainable solutions to combat health misinformation while promoting accurate and accessible health communication.
Unlike previous public health challenges, addressing the widespread effects of health misinformation requires a comprehensive approach, primarily due to the complex interplay of cultural beliefs, technological advancements, and varying levels of health literacy across the region. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for health communicators, policymakers, and communities alike. Opportunities include utilizing digital technologies for wider reach, integrating traditional knowledge systems with modern health communication, and fostering community-led initiatives. Conversely, challenges arise from digital divides, cultural barriers, and the need to balance respect for traditional practices with evidence-based health information.
At its core, the public health sector in Sub-Saharan Africa grapples with a fundamental challenge – how to ensure the credibility, accessibility, and effectiveness of health communication in an era of rampant misinformation. The critical question that follows is how we can create impactful and culturally resonant health communication strategies that effectively counter misinformation and promote positive health outcomes.
In this evolving landscape, we invite scholarship on the following topics among others:
- Climate Change Impacts on Health and Adaptation Strategies: Exploring the intersection of climate change, health outcomes, and effective communication strategies for adaptation and resilience.
- Improving Health Literacy in Rural and Underserved Communities: Developing innovative approaches to enhance health understanding and decision-making in resource-limited settings.
- Integrating Traditional Healers into Modern Healthcare Communication: Bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern medicine to create more inclusive and effective health communication.
- Strategies for Effective Vaccine Education and Distribution: Addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation through targeted communication and community engagement.
- Adapting Health Communication to Cultural Contexts and Beliefs: Adapting health messages to diverse cultural landscapes to improve reception and impact.
Through these perspectives, this special issue aims to deepen our understanding of the complexities and dynamics of public health communication in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on combating misinformation. This is particularly important as the region faces unique challenges in health education, access to healthcare, and the integration of traditional and modern medical practices.
This special issue aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on effective public health communication in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on strategies to address and mitigate the impact of health misinformation. We welcome empirical research, case studies, theoretical frameworks, and policy analyses that offer insights into this critical area of public health.
FORMAT OF ABSTRACT
- The number of words should be between 250 and 300 words (including the keywords).
- Abstract should be submitted using the following link https://forms.gle/gWskxgz8sh2YxbtU9 by November 30, 2024.
- All queries should be directed to lead Guest Editor, Dr. Theophilus Adedokun at TheophilusA@dut.ac.za
Authors will be notified by December 15, 2024, whether their full paper is invited for submission based on abstract review. Full papers should adhere to submission and formatting guidelines at https://journals.dut.ac.za/index.php/ajims/about/submissions. Kindly note that authors will be required to pay an Article Publication Charge (APC) of R10,000 if their submitted paper is accepted for publication.
Full Paper submission (5000 – 7000 words):
30 February 2025
Notification after the first round of reviews:
30 May 2025
Submission of revised versions:
30 June 2025
Notification of final decision
30 July 2025
GUEST EDITORS
Dr Theophilus Adedokun
Department of Media, Language and Communication
Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa.
Email: TheophilusA@dut.ac.za
Dr Francis Akpa-Inyang
Department of Basic Medical Sciences
Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa.
Email: FrancisA@dut.ac.za
Dr Aromoke Sanjo-Odutayo
Department of Community and Public Health Nursing
School of Nursing
Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria
