[ Malaria Advocacy and Initiatives ]
Malaria Advocacy and Behaviour Change Communication
Sumitomo Chemical is also active in Africa-based malaria advocacy initia tives. In 2010, millions of African families will receive bed nets for the first time. In order for these interventions to work, people must be made aware of the benefits of sleeping under bed nets. To this end, Sumitomo Chemical helped sponsor the launch of a landmark communication project with Youssou N’Dour and Malaria No More. The ‘Senegal Surround Sound’ campaign is activating key sectors of Senegalese society—including entertainment, sport, faith, local business and government—to deliver the message across the country that no family need suffer from malaria. Youssou N’Dour kicked off the campaign with a concert in Senegal in June 2009 to raise awareness about the national mosquito net distribution. A study that tracks shifts and trends in attitudes and behaviors shows that this campaign is making a measurable, life-saving difference.
The ‘Surround’ model is now being adapted to East Africa, where Tanzania is launching a similar campaign.
The ‘Surround’ model is now being adapted to East Africa, where Tanzania is launching a similar campaign.
