Using Metalsmithing Techniques to Produce Metal Plaque for Promoting Public Health Education: The Case of COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Symptoms

Mohammed Kwaku Baidoo, Ignatius Ackom-Mensah Bentum, Charles Adu-Boachie, Cyril Etornam Adala, Peggie Ama Fening (2024)

In 2020, public health education became a very great concern for people all over the world due to the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). To protect humanity from this deadly virus, the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and WHO put in place a preventive mechanism. The media used to print the protocols were mostly paper and stickers which were torn and washed away easily when it rained. This study aimed to design and fabricate COVID-19 protocols on Metal Plaque using metalsmithing techniques to promote Public Health Education. The researchers adopted a qualitative research paradigm with a Studio- Based research design within praxis and exegesis principles in artistic research. Chasing and repousse techniques and Aluminium sheets were used in the construction process. Results of the study revealed that these techniques and the material are suitable for fabricating metal artifacts for education on infectious diseases, drug abuse, illegal mining, waste management, bribery and corruption. It is envisaged that the use of metal plaques for public health education be expanded beyond COVID-19 protocols to include other critical societal issues such as infectious diseases, drug abuse, illegal mining, waste management, and anti-corruption efforts. Public health agencies, educational institutions, and relevant stakeholders should consider metal-based communication tools due to their durability, resistance to environmental wear, and longterm visibility.