The Handbook of Global Health Communication

International in scope, The Handbook of Global Health Communication offers a comprehensive and up–to–date analysis of the role of communication processes in global public health, development and social change * Brings together 32 contributions from well–respected scholars and practitioners in the field, addressing a wide range of communication approaches in current global health programs * Offers an integrated view that links communication to the strengthening of health services, the involvement of affected communities in shaping health policies and improving care, and the empowerment of citizens in making decisions about health * Adopts a broad understanding of communication that goes beyond conventional divisions between informational and participatory approaches From the Back Cover Few people dispute the central role of communication in global public health and development, and its applications in local and international aid programs. Yet questions remain unanswered and new challenges have emerged about the role of communication processes in improving health conditions among communities, and promoting broader social change in international health contexts. The Handbook of Global Health Communication offers a comprehensive overview of contemporary theoretical and applied research issues in global health communication, development and social change. Exploring multiple perspectives and approaches in the study of communication, health and development, this volume provides a comprehensive and up–to–date analysis through a collection of original essays that review and analyze historical, institutional, social, cultural and political dimensions of global health communication. The Handbook covers a wide range of new and established communication approaches, including positive deviance, complexity approaches, participatory communication and edutainment, and addresses health and cross–cutting issues that range from sexual and reproductive health and family planning to gender and human rights, drawing insights and experiences from health programs and interventions from around the world.