Build communication strategies and materials to engage audiences and support successful responses to cVDPV2 outbreaks with novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2).
nOPV2
To better address the risk of type 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2), GPEI partners are working closely with countries to deploy an additional innovative tool – novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2). The vaccine is a modified version of type 2 monovalent OPV (mOPV2). Clinical trials have shown that nOPV2 provides comparable protection against poliovirus while being more genetically stable and less likely to be associated with the emergence of cVDPV2 in low immunity settings. This means that nOPV2 has the potential to be a significant new tool to help stop outbreaks in a more sustainable way.
nOPV2 has been deployed under WHO’s Emergency Use Listing procedure (EUL) to enable its rapid field availability from March 2021 to October 2021. After rigorous monitoring of nOPV2’s performance in the field and based on the findings of the independent safety and genetic stability assessment, SAGE endorsed the transition of the nOPV2 from initial to wider use under WHO Emergency Use Listing in October 2021.
nOPV2 Communication Requirements
The use of nOPV2 requires strong communications support. Countries should make sure they develop the following plans. This page provides templates, resources, and training opportunities to support you.
These documents are required and will enable countries to plan for a successful introduction of nOPV2, however, the verification process that was in place for the initial use period is no longer required.
| Document | Purpose | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| C4D action plan (Behavioural Strategy) | To develop a comprehensive communications plan for nOPV2 campaigns | Required |
| Advocacy Strategy | To engage in-country stakeholders (e.g. medical practitioners, religious and community leaders) | Required |
| Crisis Communications Plan | To help you 1) prepare for a crisis, 2) assess when an issue becomes a crisis, and 3) respond appropriately to a crisis | Required |
| Vaccine Related Event (VRE) plan | To assess, prepare, and respond to VREs | Required |
Toolkits & Technical Guidance
Technical Guidance for Countries: Implementation of nOPV2 for cVDPV2 Outbreak Response - French
nOPV2 Introduction - Communications Toolkit (French)
nOPV2 Introduction - Crisis Communications Planning Toolkit - French
nOPV2 Introduction - Communications Toolkit
Template: Behavioural Strategy to Prepare and Respond to cVDPV and Introduction of nOPV2
Technical Guidance for Countries: Implementation of nOPV2 for cVDPV2 Outbreak Response
Advocacy Toolkit
Available trainings
Self Training Courses:
For Trainers to Train Frontline Workers on the Introduction of nOPV2 -
This eLearning course is for trainers to increase their skills on how to train FLWs on the introduction of nOPV2 so that FLWs are ready to engage with parents and caregivers of children within the communities, and when conducting facility or door-to-door campaigns. Trainers should complete this 4-hour course before attending the national-level training of trainers in their country.
Guided In-Country Trainings:
Training support for these topics are potentially available to be delivered either in-country or remotely. Please contact your regional polio coordinator.
UNICEF Misinformation Management Workshops utilize latest research and technology to train participants on a framework approach to identifying, analysing, and responding to rumours and misinformation. Delivered online by global experts in Misinformation Management and Outbreak Response Communication, the 8-hours and 2-days workshops are customized for local relevance and are available in English or French.
The workshops encompass key subjects including team formation, resource allocation, integrated multi-channel social listening, risk assessment, rumor anticipation, digital social mobilization, and rapid response simulations. Available for up to 30 participants, the workshops not only build capacity but also provide access to ready to deploy tools, templates, and online social listening dashboards. The workshops are available to all polio-endemic or outbreak countries upon request, fully financed by HQ Polio funds (excluding translation services), and are applicable to all vaccine preventable diseases.
Training guides communications teams through how to anticipate, assess, and respond to crises that could arise as part of a rollout of nOPV2 and how to develop a Crisis Communications Plan.
These training modules guide you through how to develop three communication requirements for nOPV2 (i.e. behavioural strategy, crisis communications plan, advocacy strategy) and why these strategies are needed.
This training introduces the Training Manual for Supervisors: Introduction of nOPV2 for Polio Outbreak Response, the manual participants can go on to use as trainers in their country’s cascaded training. This introduction to nOPV2 training covers topics such as the nOPV2 verification process, nOPV2 positioning and key messages, vaccine management, interpersonal communication, and misinformation.