Engaging national artists as ambassadors to spread the message of child health

 “Do you think I do not want to have a child? Of course I do, but how can we plan to have children in a district where the under-five mortality rate is high?” says Dhurmush. Suntali, his partner replies, “Listen, Dhurmush, if we are aware of simple solutions to prevent the death of children under-five, then we don’t need to worry!”

 This was a part of the ongoing dialogue in a mobilisation skit in Nepal between a duo of popular artists known as Dhurmush and Suntali. Dhurmush (Sita Ram Kattel) and Suntali (Kunjana Ghimirey) are national comedians who have helped raise awareness about the health of children under-five, and spread the message of ways to prevent the deaths of such children. Ways such as the use of bed nets for malaria, oral rehydration salts for diarrhoea, skilled birth attendants for safe delivery, immunization, and exclusive breastfeeding for healthy children. Both took centre stage in the Far-West Fair, a regional fair organised every year. Star-struck audiences were not only informed but also greatly enjoyed hearing the message delivered in a humorous way. The Kailali Far West Fair was organised by the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kailali, in Dhangadhi, Kailali, with the support of many organisations and business houses.  As part of the Child Health Now (CHN) Campaign, World Vision also partnered in the event to spread awareness of the health of children under five and solutions that are available to prevent the deaths of under-five. Aiming at popular mobilisation, two comedians, Dhurmush and Suntali were selected to raise awareness of and encourage commitment to the CHN campaign. Tickets for the fair were published with the CHN message and logo, banners and posters with CHN message were displayed, and a CHN stall was set up to distribute brochures and publications on child health. A percentage of the profits made at the fair was given to local health institutions to improve health services in the various villages.

 Child Health Now is World Vision’s global campaign to end the preventable death of children under five. Through the campaign, World Vision is calling on the international community to meet its Millennium Development Goal (MDG) commitment to reduce maternal and child deaths by 2015 - specifically MDG 4 and 5. Child Health Now in Nepal aims to contribute to reducing child mortality in disadvantaged areas of Nepal in line with MDG 4, particularly in the poorest and most disadvantaged communities. Through this, it is also working to improve maternal child health practices in disadvantaged communities. The campaign is focusing on the Far-West districts, namely Kailali and Doti. One of its unique features is to mobilise Campaign Ambassadors, volunteers at the district level who are willing to work as a focal person for the campaign in their particular village. They advocate on issues related to child health and deliver key campaign messages. The purpose is to impart messages to communities through familiar voices and have a greater influence and impact in bringing about behaviour change.