Nepal’s Schools Combat Heart Disease Through Edutainment

In Nepal, a serious but preventable heart disease continues to affect many children. This is rheumatic heart disease, a condition that occurs after untreated throat infections. Without prompt treatment, it can cause permanent heart damage, especially in young people. Every year, this disease causes thousands of deaths worldwide, particularly in countries with limited access to healthcare. In Nepal, it is a major concern, with a rising number of cases among children and adolescents.

To address this, an innovative intervention has been implemented in schools. The idea is to use educational and entertaining methods to raise awareness among students. Coloring books, explanatory videos, stories, and games have been specially designed to explain the causes, symptoms, and prevention methods. These tools are tailored to each age group: younger children learn through drawings and simple stories, while older students engage in more complex activities such as puzzles or in-depth discussions.

The intervention was tested in twelve public schools across six districts of Nepal. Before and after the sessions, students’ knowledge was assessed using a questionnaire. Initial results show that this approach significantly improves their understanding of the disease. Children learn to recognize early warning signs and to seek medical attention in time, which can prevent their condition from worsening.

In parallel, medical examinations were organized in schools to screen for potential heart problems. Students with suspected symptoms are referred to specialized clinics for appropriate follow-up. This approach aims to combine education and access to healthcare, reducing the number of undetected cases.

The initiative is based on a method called edutainment, which blends education and entertainment. This approach is particularly effective in capturing children’s attention and facilitating learning. By making information accessible and engaging, it helps break down barriers related to lack of awareness and misconceptions.

Schools were selected in diverse areas, from urban regions to remote villages, to reach a wide range of students. Teachers and parents were involved in the project to enhance its impact. The educational materials, developed in collaboration with local experts, incorporate real-life examples from the daily lives of Nepali children.

This intervention demonstrates that it is possible to combat serious diseases by taking direct action in schools. By informing children in a fun way and encouraging them to act quickly, it helps protect their long-term health.

Bibliography

Report Source

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-026-02202-8

Title: Design and implementation of edutainment-based school intervention to improve knowledge of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease among school-going children in Nepal

Journal: Discover Public Health

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Sandeepa Karki; Shishir Paudel; Dhurba Khatri; Rudra Prakash Hada; Yamuna Chhetri; Bhagawan Koirala