Snakes and Ladders -
Engaging SHG-VOs for sustainability of IEC/BCC efforts

 

Village Organisations (VO) are effective institutions of women from the marginalised sections of villages. These women can play a significant role in elimination of Kala-azar by acting as an effective link between the health system and the community. The rationale of engagement with JEEVIKA’s VO members in the third phase of the IEC/BCC intervention in Bihar entails empowering them to become role models for the elimination of Kala-azar in their villages. They can bring about significant behavioural changes in their community by leading actions like spraying of IRS and making communities aware about its importance and effects and precautions required.

 

To engage JEEViKA VO members at the village level in Bihar, a snakes and ladders game has been developed which contains key messages related to the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Kala-azar. The bonus of the game is that through an array of colours and taking a trip back to one’s childhood, one learns about the importance of IRS, maintaining cleanliness around their houses, and timely diagnosis and treatment using the methods of information, entertainment and communication so that key messages are retained by the VO members.

 

A game brings not just an element of fun and entertainment but a healthy break from the monotony of daily life and struggles. This game of ‘Saanp Seedi’ or ‘snakes and ladders’ is very similar to the typical game of snakes and ladders that we all know, and yet is different, because it has the underlying intention of providing key messages on Kala-azar. The players in the game are village SHG members who are divided into four teams of 4-5 members each. One player goes up the ladder if she steps on a box that talks about healthy habits or the importance of practices like ensuring IRS is done in the house (Do hafte se adhik samay tak bukhaar hone par kala-azar ki kanch karai – checked for kala-azar because of fever persisting for more than two weeks). The player comes down the snake if bitten when she steps on a box which depicts bad practices related to Kala-azar (PKDL ka pura ilaaj nahi karaya – didn’t ensure complete treatment for PKDL).

 

The VO members are also shown a film on Kala-azar prior to the game so that they are made aware of the key messages. Yet again, the film is a very popular method to raise awareness using IEC.

 

Through the game, the key messages around prevention and control of Kala-azar are brought forward and highlight the ultimate aim of leading healthy lives. The game also encourages participants not only to practice these behaviours themselves but to communicate the same to their neighbours and other community members.

 

The game can be adapted for spreading other important messages as well.