Haiti - Health : A comic book to raise awareness amongst youth to cholera
As par of its support to the Ministry of Health (MSPP) and the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP), UNESCO has published a comic book to raise awareness amongst youth with regard to cholera and to encourage hand washing.
This 44-page comic book is an adaptation of the animated films previously produced with the MSPP, which are broadcast on public and private television channels in Haiti. Like the animated films, the comic strip features a character already famous in Haiti, called Ti Joel. Through short stories, Ti Joel explains in a didactic and visual manner, methods to protect oneself from cholera (in school), how to purify water and prepare oral serum, and he reminds the reader of the importance of non-discrimination towards the sick. The comic book also emphasizes the importance of hand washing, the most economical and effective means to prevent cholera, diarrhea and pneumonia.
The comic ends with a questionnaire in Creole and in French, whereby the correct answers are mentioned on the last page, so the reader can check if the key points have been well understood. This questionnaire aims to promote the acquisition of correct behavior regarding cholera and hand washing and to develop interactivity between teachers, community leaders and young haitians.
UNESCO has printed an initial 5,000 copies of the comic book for distribution by MENFP, UNICEF and PAHO/WHO and other partners in schools, child friendly spaces in IDP camps, recreational and community centres, libraries, among scouts and in cholera treatment facilities.
