Community-Engaged Health Communication Strategies During the COVID 19 Pandemic: Experiences From Southern Andean Peru

Area of Science:

• Community-based participatory research
• Indigenous health equity
• Public health communication

Background:

• Low COVID-19 vaccination rates and high mortality in southern Peru during the pandemic.
• Dysfunctional vaccine rollout and challenges in Peru's public health system.
• Complex relationships between Indigenous communities and Peru's government-run health system, influenced by historical injustices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the initiative of Indigenous health rights activists in developing culturally tailored COVID-19 vaccine information.
• To understand the role of community-based approaches and existing relationships in public health crises.
• To critically reflect on resilience and Indigenous activism in decolonizing public health systems.

Main Methods:

• Community-based activism and engagement.
• Development and dissemination of culturally tailored Public Service Announcements (PSAs) in Quechua.
• Radio broadcast of health information during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Results:

• Seven Quechua language PSAs were created and broadcast, addressing COVID-19 vaccine information.
• Activists demonstrated initiative in response to a dysfunctional vaccine rollout and high mortality rates.
• The study underscores the importance of pre-existing, respectful relationships between communities and health systems.

Conclusions:

• Strong, respectful community-health system relationships are crucial for effective public health responses.
• Indigenous activists play a vital role in advocating for decolonized public health systems and substantive community participation.
• Integrating Indigenous knowledge and expertise into public health initiatives is essential for equitable outcomes.