United Nations Radio

A new series of animated Public Service Announcements (PSAs) featuring two malaria spreading mosquitoes, Buzz and Bite, aims to control and stop malaria.

The new campaign, which was announced at the UN on Tuesday, has been designed by the international media content company Chocolate Moose Media based in Canada.

Its chairman Firdaus Kharas explains that the company has created 30 animated PSAs and five radio spots in 20 languages about the ways malaria is transmitted, as well as the means of protection against it like long-lasting insecticide- treated bed nets. But this important message, says Mr. Kharas, is conveyed in a funny and engaging way.

"The humour is to create something that is memorable for the viewers, something that they put into their subconscious. We are aware of the fact that humour is very difficult to travel. Obviously, what a Japanese finds funny is not what a South African finds funny, is not what a Canadian finds funny. So, we have created the serious we hope will go around the world, using the most difficult means of mass communication, using humour to make a very serious point."

And the problem itself is serious: according to Mr. Kharas, every 15 minutes 30 children die unnecessarily from malaria which, because of global warming, is moving north to areas where it has never existed.

The creators of the PSAs hope to show them to 100 million people in 25 countries within the next year. They are ready to provide the tapes and DVDs free of charge to any individuals or organizations, including UNICEF.

Reporting for UN Radio, I'm Elena Vapnitchnaia.

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