Health Communication in Developing Countries

The term health communication refers to the transmission or exchange of information related to health and is often presented with the intention of influencing health-related behavior. This exchange can occur between pairs of individuals, among and between groups and organizations, and via mass media channels. Health communication is an important vehicle for change as many diseases and conditions can be prevented or managed via behavioral modifications, which can be addressed via effective health communication, in conjunction with the development of the medical and public health sectors. Effective health communicationcampaignscanbehousedwithin a larger development effort, which provides structural change, while increasing the ability of individuals to take advantage of such changes.

[Page 475]Major health risks in developing countries typically involve some combination or all of the following: maternal ...