Channelling Net Use Promotion through Children as Malaria Ambassadors: The PataPata Children’s Radio Show

This 3-page case study shares information about the PataPata children's radio programme in Tanzania, exploring how the engagement of children was a key part of the strategy to increase net use in their communities. Launched in 2011 by Communication and Malaria Initiative in Tanzania's (COMMIT), the "show not only educated children about malaria and its prevention; it also facilitated a community outreach component headed by community change agents (CCAs). These CCAs mobilized children to serve as educators and advocates for malaria prevention and net use and to lead by example in their homes and communities."

Each 10-minute episode included a drama followed by an interactive discussion between the radio presenter, a studio audience of children, and listeners at home. The show also included pre-recorded responses gathered through community outreach. Prior to the launch of the show, radio presenters received training and discussion guides.

CCAs were central to the community outreach component that complemented the radio programme. They were community volunteers who were trained to work with women's groups, schools, and other community groups to improve knowledge and practices around malaria prevention and control. CCAs received wind-up/solar radios and were responsible for leading listening groups with primary school students from local schools. Each CCA also received discussion guides with explanations, games and quizzes, as well as a summary story for each episode.

The CCAs also gave children tasks with ensuring that their parents and siblings slept under a net every night, that they get rid of potential mosquito breeding sites around the home, and that they seek timely care and correct treatment for malaria. As stated in the case study, "children can be effective advocates for change in their own homes since they are often observant, ask a lot of questions, and can remind their parents and younger siblings to practice key malaria prevention behaviours." Many of the listening groups also formed PataPata clubs, in which children conduct community outreach activities such as house visits to repair nets, make sure nets are hanging, and remind their neighbours of key malaria messages.

According to an evaluation of the project, children reported that they enjoyed the radio episodes and community interaction, and it helped to increase their knowledge. The results also showed that "parents also benefited from the program because their children listened to the show and then discussed malaria with them and others in the community. In response to this information, parents reported adopting prevention behaviours to protect their family member from malaria. The teachers and CCAs interviewed expressed a willingness to continue facilitating listening groups and reported that they believed the children had increased knowledge around malaria as a result of the PataPata program."

The report outlines the following lessons learned:

• "PataPata is an example of an assets-based approach to working with children in shifting social and cultural norms around malaria prevention and net use.
• Using multiple channels to engage children (e.g. radio programme, discussion guide, PataPata clubs) helped ensure greater participation among children and accommodated children's various learning styles.
• Community Change Agents were a beneficial resource for mobilizing and empowering children to address net use and other malaria prevention measures."

Click here to download the full case study in PDF in English.

Click here to download the full case study in PDF in French.