Research Briefing: Can radio drama improve child health and nutrition in Somalia?
This briefing concludes that engaging drama can be an effective format for sharing health information and influencing best practice
Abstract
The child mortality rate in Somalia is among the highest in the world; almost 15 out of every 100 children die before their fifth birthday – a legacy, in part, of decades of civil conflict and natural disaster. To help encourage better nutrition, hygiene and health, BBC Media Action, with support from Unicef, ran a media and communication project in Somalia from 2011 to 2013.
Tiraarka Qoyska, a weekly radio health programme ran for 75 episodes on the BBC Somali service. The programme included a studio-based factual programme and a drama called Dareemo (meaning “hay”). This research briefing presents key findings on the impact of listening to the programme, concluding that engaging drama can be an effective format for sharing health information and influencing best practice.
Citation
Landman, S.; Muriithi, A.G. Research Briefing: Can radio drama improve child health and nutrition in Somalia? BBC Media Action, London, UK (2015) 12 pp.