Health education through interactive radio: a child-to-child project in Bolivia

In developing countries it is common for older children to assume much of the responsibility for care of their younger siblings. Based on this observation, the "child-to-child" approach to health education targets these older children as a means of improving child health. As the initial phase in the development of a radio health curriculum in Bolivia, a module on diarrheal disease was developed and field-tested among fourth- and fifth-grade students in Cochabamba. The module consists of 10 interactive radio lessons in which the students respond orally to drill and practice, sing songs, or write key concepts in their notebooks. Following the 25-minute radio broadcast, the teacher conducts a 20-minute session that focuses on application and practice of the new behaviors. The module includes lessons on personal hygiene, water and oral rehydration, home sanitation, and nutrition. The field evaluation revealed the need for modifications in the teachers' role and greater attention to teacher training. Students responded enthusiastically and achieved significant knowledge gains as a result of the program. Plans are underway to expand the radio health program.