NetWorks is working to lead the way on global policy for malaria behavior change communication, building the evidence base for the impact of BCC for malaria control and prevention, and implementing activities in the field to close the gap between ownership and use. 

Case Study Series on Innovative Net Use Messaging

This series of case studies highlights innovative BCC approaches used to engage target audiences. Each case study describes the context for the intervention and discusses best practices and lessons learned. 

Case Study #1: Making malaria unacceptable: Harmonizing national messages and partner efforts leads to bigger impact in Tanzania     English (PDF 904KB)     French (PDF 1.3MB)

Case Study #2: Voices and UAM: An Innovative Partnership to Promote Net Use      English (PDF 1MB)     French (PDF 1.6MB)

Case Study #3: Channeling net use promotion through children as malaria ambassadors – the PataPata Children’s Radio Show      English (PDF 788KB)     French (PDF 858KB)

Case Study #4: Aha Ye De Ghana: Keeping net use messages fresh and cool     English (PDF 698KB)   French (PDF 809KB)

Online Training Series on Evidence-Based Malaria Social & Behavior Change Communication

Social and behavior change communication is a proven intervention. In the control and prevention of malaria, there is increasing evidence to show that SBCC plays a key role. The Roll Back Malaria (RBM) partnership identifies SBCC as one of its key areas in its action plan for achieving 2015 targets.

This online training address specific needs in designing social and behavior change communication (SBCC) programs in malaria. Fundamental and advanced concepts in evidence-based communication programs are taught in an online lecture series by leaders in the field of SBCC and work at the Center for Communication Programs of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.           Learn more about the training models, watch an introductory video and begin the training.

Key Activities

• NetWorks conducted a study to determine the effectiveness of Hang Up visits to increase net use in Uganda, finding that net use was not higher in intervention households than in the control households.
• Using Propensity Score Matching, NetWorks researchers are investigating the contribution of exposure to malaria messaging on net use and other behaviors. This type of analysis provides highly credible data and has led to the inclusion of two new questions in the standard Malaria Indicator Survey module, on exposure to malaria messages.
• In Tanzania, NetWorks carried out research on the types of messages that may be relevant when transmission of malaria falls, and perceived risk declines among net-using populations. Link to the Malaria Journal 2013, 12:203 Abstract   Full article PDF (565KB)

• NetWorks has also co-funded a study to look at the impact of Tanzania's coordinated BCC campaign on preventive behaviors. 
• BCC activities were implemented in Senegal for the universal coverage distribution; training and providing job aids to UC volunteers, producing and disseminating radio and television spots on LLIN use, and developing a net care and repair toolkit.

Toolkit with Care and Repair Research and Behavior Change Communication Material

• The online toolkit contains resources for program planners related to the care and repair of long-lasting insecticidal nets. It includes materials developed for BCC campaigns around care and repair, and tools and questionaires for evaluating net care and repair behaviors. View radio, print and community mobilization materials and related resources in the online Net Care and Repair Toolkit.  

LLIN Care and Repair BCC Interventions in Nigeria and Uganda

NetWorks is conducting two pilot interventions, in Nasarawa State, Nigeria and in Uganda, to test how BCC activities around net care and repair can improve behaviors related to preventing and repairing tears and holes in LLINs. The interventions are running from October 2013 to April 2014 in Nigeria and from May 2013 to April 2014 in Uganda.