DMI

Location Child survival

MCHAT

Objective

The media landscape is continuously changing across the globe. While radio remains a key method of communication across our countries of operation, we are exploring new and innovative ways to deliver social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) campaigns.

We have received funding from UBS Optimus Foundation and the Horace Goldsmith Foundation to trial using two-way digital media channels as a platform for SBCC campaigns. In partnership with the Health Promotion Section of the Tanzanian Ministry of Health, we are developing a WhatsApp chatbot called Tunza Familia (“take care of your family”), designed for new parents/caregivers to instantly access information about essential family health.

Locations

Tanzania

Themes

Nutrition, child survival

Formats

Multi-media messaging delivered via a WhatsApp chatbot

Scope

May 2022 – April 2024

Our Approach

Science

UNDERSTANDING FAMILY HEALTH

Child mortality rates in Tanzania are amongst the highest in the world. Every day, 270 Tanzanian under-5s die as a result of diseases such as malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhoea.

Our radio and TV campaigns have reached hundreds of thousands of Tanzanians over the past five years. But what can we achieve with a chatbot? We aim to find out through regular focus groups and in-app feedback.

Stories

ENGAGING MEDIA CONTENT

We aim to support caregivers throughout their pregnancy and during their child’s early years of life, so we are working with the Health Promotion Section of the Tanzanian Ministry of Health to develop and define the highest priority messages for family health for a national audience. Using text and media, the Tunza Familia chatbot will offer guidance to users who reach out with questions about antenatal care, their baby’s development, nutrition, and major childhood illnesses (such as malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea).

Saturation

TWO-WAY DIGITAL COMMUNICATION

We will begin piloting the Tunza Familia chatbot in focus groups in Mwanza, before advertising the service in selected districts/regions, as well as working with health centres to help reach our target audience of new parents.

Partners & Funders

We would like to thank UBS Optimus Foundation for funding this campaign.