Bolivian Mothers Clubs as Media

Because of the high infant mortality rate in Bolivia, health officials sought an effective method of distributing information about oral-rehy-dration therapy (ORT). Capitalizing on the existence of a network of “mothers clubs” throughout the country, an attempt was made to transform these units from passive recipients of surplus food to active agents of health education. These efforts to disseminate information and supplies through the education of local community leaders were combined with mass media strategies to form a coordinated information and delivery system. Preliminary evaluations suggest that the effort was successful in increasing the awareness of the ORT therapy among participants, their knowledge about the consequences of ORT use, and the availability of ORT supplies. Moreover, informed club members were found to be sharing their knowledge with non-member mothers. The implications of this strategy for other health education efforts are discussed

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