Breaking Down Health Myths in Villages with On-Demand Health Workers

In many rural areas, health myths are still deeply rooted and often shape how people prevent and treat illnesses. Examples include beliefs that fever should only be “scraped” away (kerokan), wounds shouldn’t be washed, or that pregnancy will always go smoothly without medical check-ups. Such myths can endanger health and safety, yet they are difficult to correct due to limited access to reliable information and few healthcare professionals in remote areas. 

In this context, on-demand health workers emerge as an innovation to bridge rural health education gaps. On-demand health workers include doctors, midwives, nurses, or health counselors accessible through digital apps, who can also make home visits when needed. This model combines personal touch with technology, allowing health education to reach more people, flexibly and culturally relevant. 

A major strength of this approach is its ability to reach communities directly via smartphones, which are increasingly common even in villages. Through phone calls, chats, or video calls, residents can ask about health complaints, clarify disease information, or verify circulating rumors. On-demand health workers can quickly provide science-based clarification, separating facts from harmful myths. 

Beyond consultations, many health platforms offer digital educational content such as videos, articles, and infographics written in simple language. This content can be adapted to local culture, using local dialects or relatable daily stories, so health messages feel like part of everyday conversation rather than lectures. 

The on-demand approach also opens friendly two-way dialogue. Residents can ask questions without fear of judgment, and health workers can better understand the social and cultural background behind these myths. Such dialogue is vital for effective education—not just delivering facts but also building trust. 

Still, this effort requires collaboration with community leaders, teachers, local health volunteers, and religious figures who have significant influence in villages. Involving them helps health messages be accepted and applied in daily life. 

Other challenges like limited network access, digital literacy, and data costs must also be addressed through mentoring programs, data subsidies, or group learning facilities at village halls. 

On-demand health workers, supported by digital technology, are opening new pathways to break harmful health myths in rural areas. Through respectful, evidence-based education that honors local culture, communities can understand the importance of modern health while preserving local wisdom. 

This approach helps ensure health is a right for everyone—including those living far from city centers.