PREDICT teams working with the Ebola Host Project in West Africa identified a need to provide behavior change strategies as they relate to Ebola and living safely with bats following the discovery of a new ebolavirus in bats in Sierra Leone. In response, PREDICT worked closely with USAID and local partners to swiftly develop a communications plan and a behavior change intervention resource to help raise awareness among community members about ways to reduce disease risks associated with human-to-bat contact.

To identify the most culturally appropriate, feasible, and effective intervention resource format, PREDICT developed a framework for assessing potential materials, channels of communications, respective audiences, and core messaging. A moderated picture book format, delivered by a trusted community leader, was selected as the best tool to put into the hands of our local team and in-country stakeholders. A communications plan was developed to ensure a well-coordinated effort and timely discussions with government and community stakeholders, following the release of the new ebolavirus finding.

This new resource, Living Safely with Bats, leveraged the subject matter expertise of PREDICT’s interdisciplinary One Health team who contributed technical content. All illustrations were developed by a team member trained in animal biology and visual arts to ensure accurate, consistent, and compelling visual representations throughout the book.