Health Minister of Odisha unveils social behavior change communication material for malaria service providers

The localised IEC/BCC materials were designed for dissemination at the last mile to enable improved service delivery by health workers and adoption of desired prevention and personal protection by the community

The Health Minister of Government of Odisha unveiled social behavior change communication products created by Malaria No More India, in partnership with the Government of Odisha. The unveiling took place at Lok Seva Bhawan Office Chamber of Hon’ble Health and Family Welfare Minister, Odisha Secretariat.

The localised IEC/BCC materials were designed for dissemination at the last mile to enable improved service delivery by health workers and adoption of desired prevention and personal protection by the community. The materials included – a ready reckoner on fundamentals of field supervision for both ASHA and Malaria Saathis, a Tin Board containing prevention and personal protection messaging and featuring Dadi – MNM India’s flagship awareness campaign’s protagonist – and Nidhi Mousa – Government of Odisha’s health messaging icon.

Unveiling the products, Naba Kisore Das, Health Minister of Odhisha stated, “I am happy to unveil the local and need based IEC/ BCC tool along with ASHA and Sathee Ready reckoner, which has been developed by MNM India for effectively implementing the last mile services on Malaria in Odisha. The Govt of Odisha partnership with Malaria No More India for strengthening the initiative further, interventions with sustainability and scalability is much appreciated and I am hopeful Odisha will be the first state to achieve the drive on MALARIA MUKT BHARAT. Malaria No More India as a credible partner of Government of Odisha need to focus and support private health providers engagement, strengthening inter sectoral and inter departmental convergence, mobilising various stakeholders, technology & tools to eliminate malaria in Odisha.”

Kelly Willis, Managing Director-Strategic Initiatives, Malaria No More US stated, “Malaria No More has been a proud partner of Government of Odisha in its elimination drive since the past 4 years. We are committed to support Odisha in achieving its goal of eliminating the disease and such social behavior change products are testament to our sustained commitment. These materials will help enhance health system capacity and nudge desired community behaviors, moving the needle towards malaria elimination at the last mile.”

Pratik Kumar, Country Director, Malaria No More India said, “As a partner to the Government of Odisha, Malaria No More is committed to drive change and lead the state towards malaria elimination. We are certain that these materials will enable desired behaviors amongst the community and upskill last mile health service providers. We believe our efforts in the state will serve as an example for other states to adopt and implement malaria elimination strategies.”