Building Communities Of Change
Using radio and IVRS for education on diarrhea prevention in children under 5.
More than a fifth of the world’s children below the age of five live in India. Despite many advances in child healthcare, diarrhoea remains a leading cause of mortality in this age group. It also has a direct impact on children’s cognitive and socio-emotional skills.
We used a combination of radio and mobile technologies to deliver engaging content on diarrhea prevention and management. Radio episodes reached out with messages on how to prevent and treat diarrhoea. They were supported by an Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) outreach and on-ground activities that engaged with the community.
Pinki Jatav got the IVRS number from her husband, who received it from a Galli Galli Sim Sim community mobilizer. After listening to the radio program, available through IVRS on the phone, Pinki’s children began washing their hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet. As their awareness of the risks posed by diarrhoea grew, they started collecting ORS sachets from the Anganwadi centre and keeping these handy. They followed the radio program regularly.
Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh
The project reached 1.5 million people (200,000 children) through eight community radio stations, AIR Shivpuri and an IVRS.
Children who recalled listening to Galli Galli Sim Sim (GGSS) messages showed 7-fold improvement in knowledge of diarrhea symptoms as compared to children with no recall of the messages.
Parents who recalled listening to GGSS messages showed 2-fold improvement in knowledge of ORS preparation as compared to parents with no recall of the messages.
When you support Sesame Workshop India, you become part of a movement that wants to see every child thrive. Join us!
