Theater dramatizes ORT message
White, K.
Front Lines 1990: 6-7
1990
PMID: 12316347 Document Number: 333573
The Zambian Control of Diarrheal Diseases (CDD) Program sought the assistance of 2 popular theater groups to develop a play on diarrhea including messages on using oral rehydration therapy (ORT), breast feeding, continued feeding, and using fluids. This was a more appropriate channel for promoting ORT because only 30% of the population had access to a radio and even less to a television set. The groups performed their 35-40 minute plays, complete with dancing and singing, in the local language for 40 different high density communities in Lusaka 6 times/week for 3 months. Before each play, 1 group went door to door telling the occupants that they were going to perform a play about diarrhea management, specifically ORT. If no one could come, the group described ORT for the occupants. The other group held discussions after each performance to determine what learned and to correct any misconceptions about ORT. 1 group concentrated on bottle feeding as the cause of diarrhea while the other group concentrated on poor sanitation and personal hygiene. The groups always performed in locations convenient to mothers, such as markets, outside clinics, and schools, thereby reaching an estimated 10,000 people. Men also attended the plays which was good because fathers often decide whether or not to use ORT for a sick child. Several performances were recorded and aired on local language radio programs to increase awareness of ORT. The entire 1989 campaign of the CDD Program cost $3000 while radio spots for the same period cost the program $8000-10,000. Popular theater is now being used to publicize many other health messages, such as AIDS-prevention.