Barriers to adequate healthcare in low-income countries remain significant—especially in a world where preventing and managing chronic diseases, and the continuity of care they require, are more important than ever.
From Passion to Project
This project involved the development of two complementary toolkits: a conversation card set and an education card set, both designed to facilitate emotional literacy and structured dialogue around chronic disease prevention, diagnosis, and management. Each card features a short piece of text and a corresponding illustration, enabling flexible use depending on context and preference. the setting and the needs of the user. The toolkits are intended for use across various contexts including peer, family, community, and clinical interactions. To support their rollout, I also designed a lightweight, web-based platform optimised for users with limited digital infrastructure. It offers multilingual downloadable card sets and hosts on-demand training modules for healthcare providers and community health workers.
What?
Communicating clearly becomes especially difficult in the face of a chronic disease diagnosis. In low- and middle-income countries, existing barriers to healthcare further complicate this challenge and make it harder for individuals to understand prevention strategies, manage conditions effectively, and access the support they need. Expressing symptoms, speaking while anxious or vulnerable, or communicating on behalf of others (such as children or the elderly) can all become significant obstacles. Yet these forms of communication are essential, not only for receiving appropriate care, but also for maintaining mental and emotional wellbeing. Globally, even well-resourced health systems often struggle to align services with real needs; in low-income settings, this gap is even more stark. Improving health literacy, strengthening person-centred care, and supporting communication are critical steps toward addressing these disparities—exactly what these toolkits are designed to address.
Why?
This project required extensive research to ensure the accuracy and cultural relevance of the information. To effectively communicate, I explored and integrated multiple mediums including digital platforms, print materials, and custom illustrations. This involved using a range of tools such as Adobe Illustrator, website builders, and professional printers, while also addressing technical challenges that come with multimodal deliverables.