Health Awareness on 8 bit Platform

1. Health Awareness on 8 bit Platform AshitaDadlani Kishan Patel

2. What is the more likely cause of death today — a disease caused by germs or failure of one of the body organs?

3. The answer depends on which part of the world you belong to! 48% of deaths in India are caused by communicable diseases, 43% due to metabolic disorders like cancer, heart ailments, diabetes etc and the rest a result of accidents, natural calamities, suicides and murder. .Ref:WorldHealth Organization’s Global Burden of Disease projections based on 2005 data

4. In sharp contrast to the situation, in countries of Europe, for instance, only 6% of all deaths are caused by communicable diseases, while a whopping 86% are due to metabolic disorders and the remaining due to other causes. . • However, in Africa, 70% of deaths are due to communicable diseases, while only 22% are from non-communicable disorders.

5. In sharp contrast to the situation, in countries of Europe, for instance, only 6% of all deaths are caused by communicable diseases, while a whopping 86% are due to metabolic disorders and the remaining due to other causes. . • However, in Africa, 70% of deaths are due to communicable diseases, while only 22% are from non-communicable disorders.

6. The discovery of antibiotics meant that almost all communicable diseases were conquered, at least in advanced countries. • But in India this has not been the case. We see a huge 48% of the deaths still caused by communicable diseases!!

7. This situation can be improved effectively by bringing in Health awareness among the people.

8. The 10$ 8 bit Computers- a possible solution? • These are really cheap computers, and the reason for it being so affordable is due to the fact that it uses an existing TV as its display. • And as far as TV’s are concerned, they are really affordable! • You have more TV’s in India then safe drinking water taps! -Derek Lomas 

9. How can a game dynamic convey health information? • The game player is able to enact behaviors that are important to disease prevention, such as the eradication of mosquitoes or their sources. • By presenting public health activities in a challenging and fun game, children can develop an awareness of the importance of these activities.

10. Proposed Game Mechanic • One of the most common video game mechanics involves the repetitive destruction of a large number of ‘enemies’. The eradication of pests, such as mosquitos, may therefore represent a similarly engaging game mechanic. This and other game mechanics may be combined with a game narrative about the dangers of malaria. * Removing trash that produces mosquitos * Preventing mosquitos from biting family members * Buying important supplies such as a mosquito net

11. Social Factors • As these games are played on a family television set, they may also generate conversations among family members about the dangers of the disease and how to prevent them. • Thus , it can turn out to be an effective medium for bringing about awareness.

12. Mosquito Game • We are in a process of designing and implementing a game for NES which is on the same lines as discussed. • In the present version: • The player can kill the mosquitoes flying around, with a racket. • This is really quite fun and engaging. • The full version of the game still needs to be designed effectively.