Encouraging behaviour change to help save lives

I am working on an exciting new PR project which the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) has just launched in partnership with our client, Olyset Net.

The ‘Me and My Net’ competition aims to raise awareness of the importance of mosquito nets in malaria prevention and will reach out to young people across the world. 

The figures alone show the impact that malaria has in Africa in particular, which will be a focus area for the competition. There, it kills a child every 45 seconds, which amounts to around 1,920 children each day.

11-18 year olds from across the Commonwealth nations will be invited to show, using any medium them wish, how they relate to, and value mosquito. Entries could therefore be submitted as photographs, written essays or even campaign slogans via text message. 

These young entrants, particularly in malaria affected countries are the net purchasers of the future. It is hoped that by specifically targeting them, they can not only educate their own families on effective net use, but encouraging a culture of behaviour change when it comes to using mosquito nets. 

Although there is an African focus, ‘Me and My Net’ is open to young people in non-affected countries too, where it is hoped the project will raise awareness of the impact of malaria overall.  

Selected entries will be showcased at the ‘Me and My Net’ competition site until it closes in November. There are a number of runner-up prizes but the overall winner will be brought to London to fly the flag for their country at the Commonwealth Day Observance in March 2012.  I am really looking forward to seeing the entries come through.