SUNRISE cluster randomised controlled trial: scaling up nurturing care, a radio intervention to stimulate early child development in Burkina Faso

Almost 250 million children aged under five in low- and middle-income countries are at risk of not reaching their developmental potential. These children are more likely to do poorly in school, have lower incomes and poorer life chances. The brain develops quickly between 0–3 years and studies have shown that improving caregiver interactions and learning opportunities at this time can positively affect child development, with effects lasting into adulthood. These interventions can be labour intensive and delivering them within current health systems can be challenging. 

Unlike current interventions, mass media can deliver messages to millions of people several times per day. We will test whether a mass media campaign can improve care-giving behaviours, learning opportunities and child development in Burkina Faso. 

This intervention has the potential to shift social norms and attitudes, model skills and create an enabling environment for behaviour change.