@article{Okoko_Onoichie_2023, title={Enhancing Public Health Communication through Traditional Institutions for Effective Lassa Fever Prophylaxis in Benue State  }, volume={5}, url={https://www.njomacs.com/paper/enhancing-public-health-communication-through-traditional-institutions-for-effective-lassa-fever-prophylaxis-in-benue-state}, abstractNote={Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, poses a significant public health threat in Benue State, Nigeria, and other regions of West Africa. Effective communication is crucial for preventing and controlling Lassa fever outbreaks, and traditional institutions have emerged as potential channels for public health communication in various contexts. This study aims to enhance public health communication for Lassa fever prophylaxis in Benue State by leveraging the role and effectiveness of traditional institutions. The objectives are to identify the role and effectiveness of traditional institutions in promoting public health communication, determine the barriers and challenges in utilizing traditional institutions, and provide recommendations for improving their involvement. This study utilizes a qualitative methodology, with interview serving as the primary method of data collection. The participants included in the study comprise 30 individuals, encompassing traditional leaders, healthcare providers, and community members. The Diffusion of Innovations theory provides a theoretical framework for understanding the adoption and spread of effective communication strategies within traditional institutions. Based on the study's findings, the conclusion drawn is that traditional institutions in Benue State have the potential to play a significant role in enhancing public health communication for effective Lassa fever prophylaxis. By leveraging the authority and influence of traditional leaders, targeted health interventions can be implemented to raise awareness, promote preventive behaviours, and improve community engagement. The study recommends fostering collaborations between modern healthcare systems and traditional institutions to enhance public health communication.}, number={1}, journal={Nasarawa Journal Of Multimedia And Communication Studies}, author={Okoko Nelson and Onoichie Bridget Chiedu}, year={2023}, month={Aug.}, pages={126–133}}