Integrating ICTs in Communication Campaigns for Noncommunicable Diseases in the Pacific

Abstract

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) impose a huge burden on the Pacific Islands region. Given that many NCDs are related to health behaviors, health promotion activities can play a key role in preventing and controlling the rise of NCDs in the Pacific. The expansion of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the Pacific provides key tools that disseminate information to involve people in increasing NCD awareness. However, challenges emerge in the coordination and monitoring of such campaigns. This article examines the integration of ICTs in NCD awareness campaigns. The authors draw on data collected in the PACMAS State of Media and Communication Report 2013, undertaken across 14 Pacific Island nations. In this article we examine the challenges Pacific Island countries face in coordinating their response and discuss a variety of ICT initiatives currently underway in countries across the Pacific to inform and assist further the planning and design of health promotion strategies.