ABSTRACT
Skills in developing and implementing an IEC strategy and plan with government, civil society and private sector players will be vital; as will training in such skills where they are in short supply. The IEC team will need to understand the conceptual basis, genesis and dynamics of the NSDS, as well as the technical issues; and thus will need to be involved (as a core element) in the NSDS process from the start – not be seen as a supplementary activity to be added down the line (as has so often been the case in the past). It is very important that they understand how the various stakeholders communicate, learn and change behaviour. A priority task for the team will be to set up a network of principal communications agents and media contacts for different localities, topics and groups.
