The role of "theatre for development" in mobilising rural communities for primary health care: The case of Liwonde PHC unit in Southern Malawi

This paper argues that the most important element in health care strategy is community participation. If social welfare is to be effectively improved it must involve the people in making their own decisions and taking their own actions. Using popular theatre as a means of communication and education, the Liwonde Primary Health Care Unit in the Southern Region of Malawi has succeeded to motivate residents of two rural communities to actively involve themselves in primary health care activities. The impact of this innovative approach to communication and education for health has been remarkable. Recent data indicates that cases of deaths due to preventable diseases such as cholera and severe diarrhoea have been dramatically reduced especially in the under-five age group. The construction of pit latrines and improved water supplies have been vital to the improved health situation.