The 'Medikidz' are a gang of 5 larger-than-life superheroes from outer space, which are each specialists in different parts of the body. The characters are designed to be fun and appealing to children in order to be able to entertain, as well as educate them about serious medical issues.Here are a few of the characters: . . . Medikidz Limited was created by Dr. Kim Chilman-Blair in New Zealand in 2006 and later incorporated as a UK company in 2008 and was featured in this BBC segment and this recent piece from Sky News. Dr.Chilman-Blair trained as a doctor, in Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery and as an academic medical writer. Co-Founder Dr. Kate Hersov has worked in Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Oncology and as a Medical Research Fellow (Medical Research Institute of NZ) authoring a number of published journal articles. With these impressive credentials, they have managed to simplify complex information into dynamic and colorful graphic comics that even adults would want to read. This novel approach of Medikidz Limited has gained worldwide recognition: Archbishop Desmond Tutu has endorsed Medikidz Foundation and the importance of educating children about medical issues. And for musical fans of the Black Eyed Peas, Will.i.am has also endorsed Medikidz. . Here's a page from "What's Up With Matt?" the Medikidz comic that explains HIV, and one of over a dozen comics available for purchase here, that cover different medical topics. . . "What's Up With Max?" explains Asthma. . "What's Up With Pauline?" discusses food allergies. . And "What's Up With Ella?" addresses Type 1 Diabetes. . The Medikidz website is full of helpful information including a guide to medical information, medical tests, and a pharmacy section. It's inspiring to find an organization that is taking such a creative approach to children's medical education. Hopefully the Medikidz comics will spread more quickly than a virus, and reach and inform as many kids as possible.
Doing Good: Medikidz comics make medical information fun
Medikidz Limited has found a great solution; communicate in a format that kids like through graphic comics and dynamic super heroes.
With over 50 million children worldwide (in English speaking countries alone), suffering from illness but without adequate educational information and Medikidz is working to address the issue. Medikidz has created a group of child-friendly characters who can help bridge the gap and educate children.
How do you take complex medical concepts and make them clear and simple enough for children to understand?
What do you think?