Look, Listen, Learn... Its Life Changing

Background:Literacy is a luxury that many of us take for granted. We assume that written materials will be read, understood and complied with when in reality 1 in 5 people (usually women and those in rural areas) cannot read or write. Many more people struggle to understand critical health information that is often presented in English and not in their home language. If written material cannot be read or understood, critical information remains undeliverable.

Program background:Global illiteracy of over a billion people prevents health care organisations from effectively communicating life-saving information to impoverished or under-resourced communities. Outreach programmes that aim to educate disadvantaged communities are fraught with issues. These programmes are expensive, personnel-intensive, and sometimes dangerous (health care workers have been targeted in various regions). The Speaking Book bridges the health information gap between literate First World messaging and the needs of a largely illiterate, under-resourced developing world. Through a hard-covered, 16-page book with an accompanying 30-second-per-page audio track, the Speaking Book talks to the reader, in his own language, about critical issues. Messages are current, simple and understood regardless of literacy level. Users can play and replay the audio tracks at their own pace.

Evaluation Methods and Results:A number of research projects have been developed to determine the effectiveness of the Speaking Book. Research by the University of Cape Town and the University of Johannesburg, found that in the absence of trained staff, the Speaking Book is free standing and effective. Over 400,000 Speaking Books have been delivered, 28 languages, across the world. Research is shows that each book is shown to a minimum of 27 people which means that millions of people have been impacted by the messages in these books. Recent UNICEF research showed that each Speaking Book, developed specifically for Ethiopia, reached 120 people and messages were believed to be more reliable and believable than direct health worker engagement. Many patients who use the Speaking Books feel like their doctor is always with them, answering their questions, and reinforcing healthy treatment compliance. The Book - “Caring for your child-headed household’ - was aimed at children who are raising their siblings. Children felt like they had a ‘parent’ with them – a voice that is reassuring and gives guidance, support and help.

Conclusions:While most low literate people are able to function without much daily trouble, poor and illiterate communities are often side-lined on the road to health. The Speaking Books is the only solution that exists for patients needing information about complex health issues but who lack the ability to read them.

Implications for research and/or practice:The world over, immigrants, rural uneducated people are ignored or by-passed on the road to health. In every city, in every country, there are those who are unable to access or understand basic healthcare. While other organisations work with training nurses, caregivers and lay people in rural communities, they do not address the need of low literacy patients in poor areas. It is for those people the Speaking Book was created.