Spread Maisha
Maisha messages are meant to be shared. The more people who know a life-saving message, the more lives can be saved. Here are practical ways to spread messages in your community.
SMS and WhatsApp
Text messages reach people directly. A message on someone's phone can be saved and read again later.
How to share by text
- Copy the message exactly as written
- Send to friends, family, and community groups
- Ask people to forward to others who might benefit
- Send one message at a time so each one gets attention
Tips
Maisha messages are written to fit in a single SMS. If a message is too long for your network, it may arrive in parts. Test by sending to yourself first.
In WhatsApp groups, messages can spread quickly. Consider sharing one message per week rather than many at once. This gives each message time to be read and remembered.
Email works well for reaching organizations, workplaces, and networks that use computers.
How to share by email
- Send messages to workplace health committees
- Share with schools, churches, or community organizations
- Include a brief note explaining that the message can be printed or shared further
- Attach a printable version if you have one
Printed messages last. A poster can share its message for months or years.
See the Print Center for detailed guidance on printing and posting messages.
Quick tips
- Print in the local language
- Post where people wait and have time to read
- Ask permission before posting in others' spaces
- Check and replace damaged posters
Community Radio
Radio reaches people who cannot read, who are working, or who are far from printed materials. A message read clearly on the radio can reach thousands of people.
Working with local stations
Most community radio stations welcome useful public health content. Here is how to approach them:
- Visit the station in person if possible
- Bring printed copies of messages you would like shared
- Explain that the messages are free to use and designed to help the community
- Ask if they can read messages during health segments or public service announcements
- Offer to provide messages in the local language
Making messages work on radio
Maisha messages are written to be spoken aloud. When a message is read on radio:
- Read slowly and clearly
- Pause between sentences
- Repeat the message at least twice
- Consider reading the same message on multiple days
Repetition matters. People may not hear a message the first time, or may not pay full attention. Hearing the same message several times helps it stick in memory.
What to expect
Radio stations are busy. They may not respond immediately. Be patient and respectful. Even one message read once can help someone.
Some stations may want to verify where messages come from. You can direct them to this website or explain that Maisha is a public project with no commercial purpose.
Note: In communities with active health communication from government or NGOs, coordinate with existing efforts rather than duplicating them. Maisha messages can complement other programs but should not cause confusion by contradicting local guidance.
Other ways to share
- Conversation: Simply telling someone a message can help. If you remember a Maisha message that could help in a situation, share it.
- Community meetings: Ask if you can read a message at gatherings, church services, or school assemblies.
- Health workers: If you work in health, consider keeping printed messages to give to patients or families.