The film contains messages about proper medication, treated mosquito nets and other forms of malaria prevention through the story of Samphors, a young woman who returns to her village as a nurse.
There she finds herself caught between the affections of Mongkol, an ice-cream seller and Malaria health volunteer, and Veasna, a dashing young actor. How will the love-struck Mongkol prove himself worthy of her?
Click here to view an image gallery of stills from the film
Malaria in Cambodia
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) World Malaria Report 2008 around 262,000 Cambodians are diagnosed with Malaria, with undiagnosed cases likely to be much higher.
Cambodians have a good understanding of Malaria and how to prevent it, but research shows that some key detail is missing about exactly what is needed to prevent infection.
Pregnant women, young children and men who work in the forest are particularly at risk.
The film contains other messages such as:
- Bed nets are good, but treated ones are much better - and it's your responsibility to get yours treated
- Take medicine the right way - take the full course, don't take cocktail medicines, and check the expiry date
- Don't take medicine without advice from a health professional
- Go for testing as soon as you show symptoms - and where to go
- Village health volunteers are a good source of information
The Village Nurse's Charms will be distributed by partner organisations in Cambodia to screen in a workshop environment, accompanied by facilitated discussion. The film will also be screened on Cambodia's Bayon TV.
The BBC World Service Trust in Cambodia has produced a range of television and radio programmes including TV and radio "spots" (public service announcements), weekly radio phone-in shows and TV documentaries for community education to raise awareness about Malaria and prevention strategies.
The Village Nurse's Charms is supported by Global Fund 6, through the National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control (CNM).