Tam Tam, one of Cambodia's most popular cartoon characters, has been enlisted by
the government and NGOs to teach children about malaria. His most important adventure
so far has been published in 'The Adventures of Tam Tam and Nakkroupette'.
Tan Tam and Nakkroupette join forces.
The book was launched in 16 provinces December 6 with 30,000 copies distributed to
schools. NGOs will train teachers how to use the book as an educational tool.
Mao Leakhena, the co-director's assistant at the malaria control project of the European
Commission - which funded the book - said most people in rural areas including Samlot,
where the adventure is set, do not believe mosquitoes cause malaria. She said most
villagers think spirits and forest terrain are to blame.
The general director for health at the Ministry of Health, Professor Eng Huot, said
that since combating malaria is a national priority, the organizations involved decided
to use an easily understood cartoon that deals with all aspects of malaria from prevention
to cure. MoH figures show that around 30,000 children a year are infected.
To keep the child-ren's attention, said Leakhena, the book comes with a contest,
which involves a comprehension test and a drawing competition. First prize is a one
week trip within Cambodia, including travel and accommodation.
The Post is reluctant to give away the ending, but it suffices to say that after
a brief struggle, Tam Tam and Nakkroup-ette (meaning 'nurse'), who is a National
Malaria Center health worker, succeed in convincing the good villagers of Samlot
of the real cause of malaria.
And, as you will find in any good children's story, they all live happily ever after.