Tuned in, transformed: How our Darman radio has changed a family's health

Darman (Healing) is our radio programme providing practical and accessible health information to families across Afghanistan.

Aired on BBC Dari and Pashto and on local radio stations in seven provinces, it’s part of our Driving Well-Being to Avert Mortality (DAWAM) project addressing humanitarian needs in the country, led by World Vision and back-funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

With access to medical care becoming more difficult, women increasingly isolated from everyday life, and a humanitarian crisis leaving many families struggling to find enough to eat, Darman draws on evidence from our What Matters? Afghanistan Speaks! research bulletin to ensure it’s meeting the needs of communities.

For 24‑year‑old Zubair Ahmad, a shopkeeper living in a remote area of Nangarhar province, the programme became more than just information. It inspired real changes that improved his family’s health and wellbeing. While working in his shop, Zubair listened to the broadcast on Safa Radio and Dost Radio, where Darman is regularly aired.

An episode offering guidance on breastfeeding was both practical and transformative.

Our study identified that, many new mothers - often poorly nourished themselves - were struggling to produce enough breast milk for their babies; information about effective breastfeeding and hygiene is also scarce.

Darman tackled this sensitive subject by addressing ways to improve nutrition and thus milk production, and discussed the importance of breastfeeding hygiene for healthier babies and mothers. It’s just one of many episodes focused on antenatal and maternal and newborn health issues, aimed at entire families – including men who are often the decision-makers.

“In the Darman programme, doctors provide information about various diseases and health problems. They give especially useful information regarding the health of mothers and children. I have learned a lot about maternal and child health from this programme, and I have also put this information into practice. For example, in one episode, a doctor explained how a mother can increase her breast milk supply. My own wife was facing this problem,” Zubair said.

At the time, Zubair’s wife was breastfeeding their three-month-old baby and was struggling with low milk production. Like many other families, they were not sure what caused the problem, or how to address it.

 “My wife was facing this issue, and I did not know what could be done to help her.”

While listening to the programme, Zubair learned about practical ways that can help increase breast milk production among lactating mothers.

“I heard in the programme that a mother should not leave long gaps between feedings and should drink plenty of liquids, as this helps increase milk production. I shared this information with my wife, and she followed the advice. As a result, the problem was resolved.”

His wife, who didn’t want to be named, said:

“When my baby was born, I did not have enough breast milk at first, but then my husband told me that he heard from the radio to drink plenty of water and tea. I also now understand how much milk I should give to my baby so that he is not left hungry. This really helped increase my milk supply, and now that problem has been solved.”

Another Darman episode highlighted the importance of hygiene during breastfeeding. Zubair said that before listening to this programme, little attention was paid to hygiene during breastfeeding in their family.

“By listening to Darman programme, I learned that mothers should wash their hands and breasts before feeding their babies”.

Determined to share what he had learned, Zubair repeatedly discussed the information with his wife and other family members. Although they were initially hesitant, his persistence eventually paid off.

“I continued sharing this information with them repeatedly and encouraged them to make hygiene a priority before breastfeeding. Now, when I observe their behaviour, I can see a significant positive change.”

The programme helped Zubair gain useful knowledge and encouraged healthier practices within his household. For him, Darman has become a trusted source of practical health information. The guidance shared through the programme supports families in making better decisions, helps prevent common health issues, and can reduce the need for visits to health facilities.

 “Now that I have been listening to the Darman programme for a long time, I have learned about the importance of disease prevention and taking preventive measures. If people listen to these programmes, many health problems can be solved.”

Zubair said his growing knowledge has earned him a reputation among friends and relatives.

“Some of my family members and friends jokingly call me ‘Doctor Sahib.’ They listen carefully to my advice, but I know that all this knowledge comes from Darman programme.”

Zubair’s story suggests the value of communication for development: when people have access to trusted information, they could be in a better position to make informed choices that support the health and wellbeing of their families and communities.

“Darman is a very useful programme. My only suggestion is that it should be broadcast more frequently.”