Cameroon NightWatch

A Nightly Mosquito Net Reminder Campaign

Tags: Cameroon

Beginning in 2011, the NightWatch program and K.O. Palu (Knock Out Malaria) campaign are protecting over 16 million Cameroonians from the deadly bite of a malarial mosquito. We're working with the national government to ensure that everyone in Cameroon receives nightly reminders to sleep under their bed nets through an array of media platforms: TV, radio and text message. Nightly text messages also supported and complemented the country's malaria fight by reminding people about the national bed net distribution of 8.6 million long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets which took place in 2011.

Some of the most popular celebrities in the country, including singers Lady Ponce, Les Nubians, Richard Bona, Petit Pays, and XMaleya, have come together for this program. NightWatch Cameroon is supported through critical funding provided by the ExxonMobil Foundation and its in-country affiliate company COTCO, and the partnership of MTN Cameroon.

Additionally, Cameroonian singers have created a catchy anti-malaria anthem that will be aired on TV and radio stations across the country. You can listen to the song here and watch the anthem video below. The song lyrics urge the people of Cameroon to follow their dreams and fight malaria.

About the pan-African NightWatch program

NightWatch, a collaboration between Malaria No More and Lalela Project, aims to increase the utilization of malaria control tools, such as mosquito nets, in communities across Africa through a targeted communications campaign that airs nightly at 9 p.m. The idea is simple: broadcast 30 second messages — with a signature sound and recognized local celebrities — seven nights a week through radio, TV and SMS texting to remind people to sleep under their mosquito nets.