Transforming malaria health education using mobile animation in Zimbabwe

Half the population of Zimbabwe live in areas with a high risk of malaria transmission. In response to the need for improved awareness about the disease, we have been working with Econet Wireless on an innovative project to reach health workers and communities with vital information – on their mobile phones. With over 9 million subscribers, Econet Wireless is Zimbabwe’s biggest mobile operator, reaching over 65% of the mobile market.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to share free, easy-to-access information through animated films, which people can watch on their phones and share again and again, to improve knowledge and save lives.” Mr Douglas Mboweni, CEO Econet Wireless Zimbabwe.

Produced with Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care and a team of experts, our mobile-friendly animations focus on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malaria and are available in English, Shona and Ndebele.

Click  below to watch the films.

The animations are available to watch for free on the zero-rated Econet Health website, with the link disseminated via blast SMS to all subscribers. They will also be shared with communities across Zimbabwe, supporting training and awareness-raising work of Zimbabwe’s National Malaria Control Programme.
We are extremely proud to be working with Econet on this project – a fantastic example of the public and private sectors coming together to improve access to vital health information for people across Zimbabwe”. Chair of Medical Aid Films Board of Trustees, Richard Meredith