Project Abstract

Abstract
Malaria remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where the burden of the disease is highest. Despite considerable progress in malaria control efforts, achieving eradication requires innovative strategies that effectively reach communities at risk. This research project focuses on the role of radio and interpersonal communication in the eradication of malaria, with a specific emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa. Radio, as a mass media platform, has the potential to reach large populations simultaneously, making it a powerful tool for disseminating key malaria prevention and treatment messages. Leveraging radio programs that are tailored to local languages and cultures can enhance the effectiveness of communication campaigns aimed at behavior change related to malaria control. By utilizing radio dramas, talk shows, and public service announcements, information about the importance of bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and timely treatment seeking can be conveyed to diverse audiences. Interpersonal communication, on the other hand, plays a vital role in influencing individual behavior within communities. Community health workers and volunteers can engage directly with households to provide targeted information on malaria prevention, symptoms, and treatment options. These personal interactions can address misconceptions, build trust, and motivate individuals to adopt recommended practices for malaria control. Combining radio and interpersonal communication strategies can create a synergistic effect that amplifies the reach and impact of malaria eradication efforts. By integrating radio broadcasts with community dialogues, door-to-door outreach, and local events, a comprehensive communication approach can be implemented to address the multifaceted challenges of malaria control. This two-way communication model allows for feedback, questions, and discussions that facilitate community participation and ownership of malaria prevention and treatment strategies. Furthermore, the use of mobile technology can complement radio and interpersonal communication activities by providing additional channels for information dissemination and behavior monitoring. SMS text messages, voice calls, and interactive platforms can be employed to reinforce key messages, collect data on malaria cases, and track intervention coverage in real-time. In conclusion, the strategic combination of radio and interpersonal communication within the context of malaria eradication efforts presents a promising approach to engage communities, promote behavior change, and ultimately contribute to reducing the burden of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Malaria kills a child somewhere in the world every minute. It infects approximately 219 million people each year (range 154 – 289 million), with an estimated 660,00 deaths, mostly children in Africa. Ninety percent of malaria deaths occur in Africa, where malaria accounts for about one in six of all childhood deaths. The disease also contributes greatly to anaemia among children — a major cause of poor growth and development.

Malaria infection during pregnancy is associated with severe anaemia and other illness in the mother and contributes to low birth weight among newborn infants one of the leading risk factors for infant mortality and sub-optimal growth and development.

Malaria has serious economic impacts in Africa, slowing economic growth and development and perpetuating the vicious cycle of poverty. Malaria is truly a disease of poverty afflicting primarily the poor who tend to live in malaria-prone rural areas in poorly-constructed dwellings that offer few, if any, barriers against mosquitoes.

Malaria is both preventable and treatable, and effective preventive and curative tools have been developed.

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease of humans and other animals caused by protists (a type of microorganism) of the genus Plasmodium. It begins with a bite from an infected female Anopheles mosquito, which introduces the protists through saliva into the circulatory system.

In the blood, the protists travel to the liver to mature and reproduce. Malaria causes symptoms that typically include fever and headache, which in severe cases can progress to coma or death. The disease is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions in a broad band around the equator, including much of Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Five species of Plasmodium can infect and be transmitted by humans. The vast majority of deaths are caused by P. falciparum and P. vivax, while P. ovale, and P. malariae cause a generally milder form of malaria that is rarely fatal. The zoonotic species P. knowlesi, prevalent in Southeast Asia, causes malaria in macaques but can also cause severe infections in humans.

It should be recalled that one of the recent effort is the provision Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLINs) which the campaign was done on various media to include social media, however, the research want to examine the role of radio and interpersonal communication in the eradication of malaria in Osun state.

 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Former Minister of Health, Professor Babatunde Oshotiemeyin once said that “malaria is diverstating families, made poor; poorer and costs the nation about 140 billion naira annually”. It hampers children’s schooling and social development in general.

It is against this background the researcher is willing to examine the role of radio and interpersonal communication in the eradication of malaria in Osun state.

Expose students and educate them on dangers and prevention of malaria using radio and interpersonal communication media.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

• Do people feel the impact of radio and interpersonal communication in the campaign on malaria?
• Do radio and television succeed in creating enough awareness on malaria?
• How effective is malaria campaign on radio?
• To what extent has communication reduced malaria disease among people?
• Do people receive adequate information on malaria through radio and other interpersonal communication channels?
• Do Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) Campaign awareness on media influence people to adopt it?

OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

• To examine whether people feel the impact of radio and interpersonal communication in the campaign on malaria.
• To know if radio and television succeed in creating enough awareness on malaria.
• How effective is malaria campaign on radio?
• To what extent has communication reduced malaria disease among people?
• Do people receive adequate information on malaria through radio and other interpersonal communication channels?
• Do Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) Campaign awareness on media influence people to adopt it?

 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This research which is relatively new to the field of mass communication, although some scholars have writing on the impact of mass media in curbing malaria but none of them ever write on how to use social media campaign for the same purpose. Therefore being a new aspect, the work will benefit some many organizations and individuals.

First, the study will benefit students and the youth on the need to share and not just use social media to catch fun but for health and academic advancement

Government and health stakeholder will see the need to adopt social media during the health campaign by sharing the necessary links from their website to the social media timeline for students to see and express their views.

Future researchers who many what to carry out research in this area or related aspect will find this materials as reference point.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

Because of time, geographical locations, fund and other necessary logistics, the study is narrowed down to Osun State as a case study since it is very difficult if not impossible to study all the state of federation and that is while Osun State is selected. The researcher will visit the state of Osun before structuring and administration of questionnaires.

LIMITATION TO THE STUDY

Wide research of this nature cannot be carried out without some constrains, this constrains pose a lot of limitations to this work.

¨   Duration for the research work is relatively short.

¨   Stress emanated from other academic activities is also another constrain.

¨   Little materials are also available because the work is relatively

new.

¨   Financial constrain poses another challenges.

¨   Most information are gathered through newspapers and internet

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Malaria: This is a mosquito-borne infectious disease of humans and other animals caused by protists (a type of microorganism) of the genus Plasmodium.

Radio: This is a means of getting information to a wider range of audience residing in different location through transmitter

Interpersonal Communication: This is a form of communication that usually take place between few people.