Silent reintroduction of wild-type poliovirus to Israel, 2013 - risk communication challenges in an argumentative atmosphere

Israel has been certified as polio-free by the World Health Organization and its routine immunisation schedule consists of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) only. At the end of May 2013, the Israeli Ministry of Health (MOH) has confirmed the reintroduction of wild-type poliovirus 1 into the country. Documented ongoing human-to-human transmission necessitated a thorough risk assessment followed by a supplemental immunisation campaign using oral polio vaccine (OPV). The unusual situation in which ongoing poliovirus transmission was picked up through an early warning system of sewage monitoring without active polio cases, brought about significant challenges in risk communication. This paper reviews the challenges faced by the MOH and the communication strategy devised, in order to facilitate and optimise the various components of the public health response, particularly vaccination. Lessons learned from our recent experience may inform risk communication approaches in other countries that may face a similar situation as global polio eradication moves towards the 'End game'.

"Getting AIDS: not in my back yard." Results from a national knowledge, attitudes and practices survey

BACKGROUND

Israel, as a country of immigration, has a heterogeneous distribution of risk for human immunodeficiency virus. Therefore, general population-based surveys of sexual behaviors among young adults may be useful for guiding prevention policy. To the best of our knowledge, the present survey is the first one among Israeli adults ever published.

OBJECTIVES

To survey knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding sexually transmitted infections in Israeli adults in order to target the future AIDS public campaigns for the general population.

METHODS

A national sample of 800 individuals, aged 18-45, was interviewed telephonically in September 2000.

RESULTS

The average number of sexual partners reported in the previous 3 months was 1.3. Accurate knowledge on HIV transmission modes was expressed by 99% of respondents for unprotected sexual intercourse, 97% for re-use of needles and syringes, and 85% for mother-to-child infection. However, incorrect notions on transmission were also prevalent (34% for insect bites, 29% for kissing and 21% for public toilets). Prevention of STIs and prevention of pregnancy were the most common reasons for using condoms (72-73%); HIV prevention was the motivation for 39%. Fifty percent of single individuals without steady partners always/usually used condoms. It was decided that women need empowerment to negotiate condom use.

CONCLUSIONS

Gaps were found between knowledge (at high level), attitudes (perceiving greater risk for others than themselves) and behavioral practices (combining low level of partner exchange with widespread disregard for safe sex). Promptly implemented, these findings will serve as a baseline for further surveys.

Smoking prevention campaign for youth in Israel

BACKGROUND

Smoking rates among teenagers have increased in many countries including Israel. Youth smoking prevention programs have developed considerably in recent years and the present study examines results of mass media anti-smoking campaign in Israel.

METHODS

Two telephone interviews were conducted one moth and 9 months after exposure to TV advertisements. The two surveys consisted of random samples of Israeli adolescents aged 12-18 years.

RESULTS

After one month, 77% of the survey participants remembered the slogan of the TV ads, and 30% used it. After 9 months, 32% remembered it and 6% used it. 28% said they were affected by the TV ads. After 9 months, 25% increased their awareness about anti-smoking behaviors, 2% claimed to have stopped smoking, and 1% claimed to have decreased smoking). Significant changes in anti-smoking awareness were found in survey participants who were exposed to TV ads and also participated in a school program.