Sarivolana (Reflections of the Moon) – Madagascar

The production of Sarivalana began in 1994. The soap opera was used as a tool to achieve various public health goals, including the promotion of family planning, HIV/AIDS prevention, maternal and child health, and other health and economic development goals. The series was broadcasted on both the national and private stations.

Building on The Dodwell Trust's first initiatives, Population Communications International (PCI) began working on the serial in 1996. The show's creative team edited the original 260 episodes down to 204, remixing the episodes to strengthen both the entertainment value and the educational messages about STDs and HIV/AIDS, cholera, and the environment.

The revised version of Sarivolana went back on the air in 2000, and was expected to run for two years on Radio Madagascar. In addition, 30 private radio stations picked up the series. The organisers say 500 listener groups were formed, each with at least 10 people. These groups listen to the programme and evaluate it, and also tune in to news, health, and agricultural programming. The Freeplay Foundation has distributed wind-up radios to these groups, providing people in rural areas access to the serial drama.

Rights, Environment