KATHMANDU

Save the Children, along with the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), National Health Education Information and Communication Centre (NHEICC) have collaborated with the popular comedy show, ‘Pawankali’ to develop web and radio-based contents for children and general audiences on COVID-19.

According to a press statement released by Save the Children, the ‘Pawankali’ show will be aired from April 26, every Sunday at 7:15 to 7:30 am from all community FM stations in Nepal through the Community Information Network (CIN), as well as YouTube, and other social media channels.

“Understanding the need for child-friendly content in popular media, Save the Children is collaborating with the ‘Pawankali’ show to communicate with children, as well as the general audiences on the ongoing COVID-19 situation,” shared Bandana Risal, the Interim Country Director of Save the Children. According to Risal, “The format of comedy has the potential to subtly educate, aware, and inform children, and the general audiences on COVID-19 issues, and also trigger behavior change actions, which in turn will inspire audiences to embrace positive behavior to curb the spread of COVID-19.” The show is being hosted by the popular theatre artist and actor, Loonibha Tuladhar. In line with social distancing guidelines the show will be filmed/recorded remotely, ensuring all cast, crew and participants are kept safe. 

The web and radio content of the ‘Pawankali’ show will discuss issues of rumor management, mental health, violence against children, education through localized comedy skits, and interviews with technical experts, celebrities, and children from different parts of the country. “We recognize the power of media to educate people on critical information related to COVID-19. Evidence-based information relayed through the web and radio contents of the ‘Pawankali’ show will help the government to tackle misinformation and infodemic related to COVID-19,” expressed, Kunja Joshi, Senior Health Education Administrator of NHEICC.