An innovative service in India uses mobile technology to support health workers delivering advice to rural communities. Mobile Kunji is a service that is being adopted by eight districts in the state of Bihar, according to The Times of India.

The health worker carries a pack of 40 illustrated cards that communicate information about subjects such as maternal and infant health. Each card has a toll-free short code that connects the health worker and listeners to a free audio message that backs up the illustrations on the card. The audio message is delivered by a fictional doctor called Dr Anita who is seen as boosting the authority of the health worker.

Mobile Kunji was introduced in May this year and more than 44,000 health workers are so far using it, says the report.  The service was developed under a partnership between Bihar’s state government, the Bell and Melinda Gates Foundation and BBC Media Action (India).