Most Afghans have limited access to medical services and are unaware of simple prevention remedies to keep themselves healthy.

Using our proven ‘road trip’ format (On the Road), Lapis produced a television and radio show featuring charismatic medical doctors that toured the country chatting to patients – giving advice, examining health problems and offering the best solutions. Emphasizing that good health begins at home, the show used health professionals to begin public dialogues on health issues. The show’s appeal was in the doctors’ charisma, their expertise and simple explanations, and their friendly and kind interactions with their patients.

The  project  aimed  at  ‘humanizing  health’  by  showing  ordinary  people  solving  their  health  problems  and emphasize the importance of community health workers and community midwives. It also raised knowledge levels on  13 common medical issues including infant healthcare, malnutrition, digestive diseases, reproductive health, contraception, HIV, TB, regular vaccinations, eyesight diseases, drug use, and first aid.

The show was based on real cases, sometimes reinforced by re-enactment scenes, and completed by health expert’s analysis, diagnosis and treatment procedures. Each episode featured a main protagonist telling his/her personal story – HIV infections, child malnutrition etc. This kind of content increased audience interest in the show by tapping into relatable narratives.

Results of the survey conducted indicated that viewers found the series very useful as they gained greater knowledge on relevant health issues and learned how to prevent and treat diseases. 87% of the respondents reported  that  they  trusted  the  doctor’s  advice.  61%  of  respondents  said  that  they  were  confident  in  the information they received and believed they could take the right steps to treatment in less serious/easily treatable illnesses.