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The game Schisto & Ladders has educational value plus worms : NPR
NPR • • world
Key Points:
- "Schisto & Ladders," a Nigerian adaptation of the classic board game Chutes & Ladders, educates children about preventing schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by contact with infested water.
- The game uses positive and negative squares to teach behaviors that reduce infection risk, such as taking medication, avoiding river water, and visiting health centers for treatment.
- Developed by Nigerian researchers including Cynthia Umunnakwe and Uwem Ekpo, the game is part of broader health initiatives providing education, urine testing, and treatment with praziquantel in affected communities.
- Schistosomiasis remains a major health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, especially among school-age children, due to limited access to clean water, testing, and treatment, and the game aims to increase awareness and improve preventive behaviors.
- Studies show the game effectively increases knowledge about the disease and acceptance of treatment among children, helping to combat misinformation and promote healthier practices in endemic regions.
