Effective Behaviors to Prevent Zika Transmission Online Guide

"The Zika response could have greater potential for impact if the organizations involved spoke with one voice and promoted a prioritized set of effective behaviors to increase the chances the behaviors would be adopted and done correctly."

Based on work by Breakthrough ACTION + RESEARCH, this interactive online guide presents seven behaviours with the potential to prevent transmission of the Zika virus and therefore Congenital Zika Syndrome. It is designed for programme planners and implementers working on Zika response programmes in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a focus on ensuring healthy pregnancies and births. However, since the behaviours that reduce the mosquito population or prevent them from biting can also help prevent other Aedes-related viruses, this guide can also be used by those working to prevent dengue and chikungunya.

The behaviours were selected based on reviews of evidence and analysis by Breakthrough ACTION + RESEARCH, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and other partner organisations. The project team reviewed behaviours that would help reduce the mosquito population overall, as well as those that would offer personal protection for pregnant women. They used five criteria to determine which behaviours had the greatest potential to prevent Zika transmission: 1) efficacy of the behaviour to reduce exposure to mosquitoes or their bites; 2) potential to reduce Zika transmission at the population level; 3) frequency of the behaviour required to be effective; 4) feasibility of the behaviour; and 5) ease of access to the necessary materials.

Based on this process, the guide focuses on the following behaviours:

• Apply Mosquito Repellent During Pregnancy
• Use Condoms During Pregnancy
• Remove Standing Water
• Cover Water Storage Containers
• Remove Mosquito Eggs From Water Container Walls
• Seek Prenatal Care
• Seek Family Planning Counselling

For each behaviour, the guide explains key facts, instructs how to do the behaviour correctly, provides tips for promoting the behaviour, and offers supporting evidence. The guide includes a short video that can be downloaded and used for training or orientation, and downloadable PDF files for each behaviour that can be printed and/or used for reference.