Tweet Me When the Mosquitoes Come: Can Social Media and Mobile Technology Impact Malaria Awareness in Cameroon?

Malaria is the most widespread parasitic infection in the world and affects approximately half the world’s population.  Malaria No More, a US based non-profit organization, has worked to end deaths from malaria throughout Africa using mass media campaigns, forming partnerships with government and malaria-focused NGOs, raising malaria awareness, and encouraging the use of bed nets and appropriate treatments. In Cameroon, malaria remains the first cause of morbidity and mortality for the most marginalized and vulnerable groups especially pregnant women and children under five. For this project, the SIPA team conducted research to explore the potential of using social media and mobile technology for behavior change in the fight against malaria in Cameroon.