The effective communication among CCM members and the dissemination of critical information is a very important function of the CCM, yet not all CCMs have clearly articulated communications strategies or plans to facilitate interactions among CCM members and with other in-country stakeholders.

Q.   Does your CCM have a communications strategy? What elements did your CCM take into account when creating it? What are the keys to successful information-sharing?

Suggestions: your answers could include (but not be limited to), tools that your CCM uses to communicate with its members, the frequency of these messages, clarity, transparency, communication plans activities; and others.

N.B. The topics and questions posted in the forums have been compiled from contributions received from CCM members and other Global Fund stakeholders. If you wish to contribute new topics for discussion, please visit the Topic Suggestions Forum.

Communication is said to be complete when there is the relay of information and there is a reasonable feedback. In Ghana, the primary channel for communication has been through the use of the internet. E-mails are faster and cheaper in sending documents to members. This channel is convenient for (let me say most members) simply because we are all located in the capital where access to the internet is relatively convenient.

The upsurge of mobile phone has created a platform to enhance communication. Text messages are periodically sent to members to remind them of pending meetings.

Faxing of documents is not left out as a channel for communicating with members. Again hard copies of document are always available at the CCM secretariat and are provided at meetings. This can also be snail-mailed on request.

In considering key elements to successful information sharing, it will be relevant for members to discuss and select various options through which communication among members could be enhanced and made faster. Existing structures should be examined and improved upon as and when necessary. There is the need to create user friendly database for members to use for communication. The data sheet could include names, constituency representing, phone numbers (including cell), E-mail and snail mail address as well as fax numbers if any. Since timely feedback is essential, it will be important to consider cost of options as well as its availability to members. It will be advised that more than one option is chosen to always provide a complementary channel. Members are encouraged to provide feedback when message is received. A simple ‘Message received’ could be of a great help since sometimes Internet Service Providers (ISP) cannot be 100% reliable.