Even though messages and actions in the first 1000 days are critical and known to the service provider, the challenge remains to communicate the same message about pre and post natal care, in a way that a pregnant woman of the chosen geography will relate to, take action and spread the message further. The message has to remain with them throughout the day, reminding them of the importance of taking the necessary measures during the three stages of the 1000 days. Further, it should prompt dialogue between the people involved. In order to peak their interest, an engaging, creative solution was the need of the hour.

A game engages the mind and body to behave and act as instructed for the achievement of a certain objective. As engagement was the hurdle, a game was the key to facilitating a social behaviour change in the pregnant women. Tijori or treasure box is a game meant to find the treasure of good health for mother and her child. The game has 3-stages and is played to cover the 1000 days period, starting from pregnancy till the second year of the new-born child. Each stage has 6 key actionable messages to be understood and acted upon on a timely basis. Some tasks can be done by the mother alone. Some tasks have to be completed with the help of another, sometimes with the help of the local health workers. With the completion of each task, the mother takes a decisive step towards a healthier future for herself and her child.

Games have a tendency of drawing curiosity. Day to day, as one notices the treasure box, one’s peaked curiosity will lead to questions. Questions will lead to answers. Answers will be varied, thus, leading to discussions and dialogue.  Through Tijori and the women who play the game, the much-needed dialogue begins until the critical tasks are now etched in the minds of the former players. As time goes on, they will become messengers to those in need, by passing on the box and assisting the new players in the game.

The Tijori can be adapted and used based on local situations.