Kick Ebola from Africa Radio Programmes

The Kick Out Ebola programmes were created to provide information, counter stigma and misinformation, and promote working together in the Ebola response. Each programme provides information about how to avoid getting Ebola, how to obtain early treatment, and how to break the chain of transmission. As well as sharing health advice, the shows feature stories from survivors and showcases the work of health workers, burial teams, and community leaders. The programmes are complemented by other activities, including a radio drama series, 'Mr Plan-Plan and the People' which explores Ebola prevention through drama.

Kick Ebola from Liberia

The programme is produced in Liberian English and broadcast across the country. "The focus is on collaboration, encouraging Liberians to band together and support each other through the crisis." Listeners are invited to submit questions and contributions via text, the Kick Ebola from Liberia facebook page, and WhatsApp.

The Kick Ebola from Liberia's theme song "Together We Can Make It" is by popular Liberian musician Infectious Michael. F. The talkshow is accompanied by community outreach, which includes training educators to work within their communities to inform people about Ebola.

Kick Ebola from Sierra Leone

Similarly, BBC Media Action is working with 40 radio stations across Sierra Leone "to provide people with accurate information and to encourage safe behaviour." The weekly programme Kick Ebola Nar Salone (Kick Ebola out of Sierra Leone) was launched in July 2014. "In one moving episode, a nurse who had recovered from the virus described how she had "quarantined" herself in a room in her house in order to avoid infecting her child or other family members." It is hoped that by sharing personal stories, people in Sierra Leone will be motivated and better informed to prevent the spread of the virus.

During a "stay at home" initiative in Sierra Leone in September 2014, volunteers went door to door to educate people about Ebola and identify new cases. The Kick Ebola Nar Salone programme "created special live programming to inform people about government measures, share stories and experiences from families, and contribute to a sense of national calm." According to BBC Media Action, "audience members sent more than 3,000 text messages to the programme's guest medical expert asking for information and explanations of medical terminology."

In addition - BBC Media Action produces weekly public service announcements (PSAs) for broadcast on local radio stations throughout Sierra Leone. They have covered a range of issues, including the importance of hand washing, the dangers of attending burials and basic precautions for protecting families. They are also training radio station managers to help them better understand the virus and help combat stigma and misunderstanding.

Click here to listen to and download BBC Media Action programmes related to Ebola on SoundCloud.

BBC Media Action have partnered with the Paul G. Allen Foundation to deliver communication training to media, officials and humanitarian workers in countries at risk. The partnership includes producing media outputs – such as Kick Ebola from Liberia - to tackle rumour and stigma and to help people take action to protect their health in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.