Private sector response against the cholera threat in Trinidad and Tobago

During the first half of 1992 the threat of cholera to Trinidad and Tobago prompted a strong health education effort by public authorities and the private sector. To help assess the private sector effort, the cost of cholera-related advertisements and private announcements placed in the country's two leading newspapers during January-June 1992 were reviewed. The review indicated that an estimated TT$ 540,660 was spent on these ads and announcements, that they contributed strongly to keeping cholera prevention continuously in the public eye, and that most of the messages published were accurate, specific, and safe. The strength and success of the private contribution to cholera prevention in this case suggests that similar approaches could be applied to other health problems and to the cholera problem outside Trinidad and Tobago. Overall, the lesson appears to be that if one can find congruence between private sector motives and public health interests, then the potential prospects for a successful partnership are great.