WiRED created the Infectious Disease Prevention and Treatment Series of animations in rapid response to the abrupt and damaging cuts to global health programs. With medicines, vaccines and health infrastructures now severely limited, WiRED mobilized its medical writers to develop a strategic set of animations designed to engage students and their families in the learning process. Together, these modules offer a broad range of essential tools for infectious disease prevention and basic home care.
This animation explains what infectious diseases are (caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites) and outlines crucial steps for prevention (like hand washing and mosquito nets), homecare when sick, and the vital role of Community Health Workers. The script concludes with a call to action for the students to share this knowledge to build healthier communities.
This animation educates families in low-resource communities on how to recognize signs and symptoms of illness like persistent fever, worsening cough, or confusion to determine when to seek help instead of relying only on home care. It strongly emphasizes the crucial role of Community Health Workers (CHWs), who are trained to recognize danger signs, provide simple treatments, and refer patients to clinics or hospitals when necessary, serving as the essential link to care.
This animation details essential habits for personal hygiene and healthy living—including proper handwashing to block germs, maintaining a balanced diet, getting exercise and sleep, and avoiding harmful substances—to help individuals in resource-limited settings prevent disease and stay strong. The module emphasizes that these small, daily actions protect the individual and the community, and it highlights Community Health Workers (CHW) as a vital resource for health information and support.
This animation emphasizes the critical importance of safe water, which can carry invisible germs causing illnesses like cholera and typhoid, and instructs viewers on three simple household methods—SODIS (Solar Water Disinfection), boiling, and chlorine treatment—to purify water by killing these germs. It encourages individuals to utilize these methods, seek assistance from Community Health Workers for support and supplies, and work toward community-level solutions for water safety.
This animation explains that cholera is a dangerous illness caused by bacteria in contaminated water or food, which leads to severe, potentially life-threatening dehydration by causing the body to rapidly lose water and salts. The animation then empowers students with prevention steps—like safe water practices, handwashing, and proper latrine use—and stresses the life-saving importance of immediate Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) treatment and the support provided by Community Health Workers (CHWs).