SUCCESS STORIES

Mali Musicians Promote Malaria Control

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In conjunction with an integrated campaign for measles and polio vaccination, vitamin A administration, and the distribution of albendazole and insecticide-treated mosquito nets, musicians from Mali came together to sing two vibrant songs that underscore the campaign’s main messages.

Ladilikan – “Counsel”

The first song is from the integrated campaign. Twelve Malian musicians from different regions of the country came together to produce a song encouraging parents to protect their children and pregnant women against malaria by having them sleep under the insecticide treated nets (ITNs) that were distributed during the December 2007 campaign against polio, measles, the effects of worms and vitamin A deficiency, and malaria. Sung in six of the main languages spoken in the country, the artists sing of their commitment to fighting malaria, urge parents to use their ITNs, and urge the government to continue its fight against the disease that strikes 800,000 Malians every year. The song was produced by local production company Anim, with support from Voices, WHO, Roll Back Malaria and the Centre National d'Information, Education et Communication pour la Santé (CNIECS), part of the Ministry of Health.

Keneya Sugu – “Health Fair”

Keneya Sugu is literally "Health Fair," but refers to the Integrated Campaign for Polio and Measles vaccinations, deworming and Vitamin A and insecticide treated net distribution. The song, sung by Mah Kouyate, describes the importance of bringing children under 5 in for the campaign's five interventions, and was broadcast before and during the campaign in December.