A digital messaging intervention and remote data collection to support early child development and nutrition in Telangana, India

This article explores the development of a digital messaging intervention and of methodologies to collect data remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic in Telangana, India, which targeted message recall, early child development (ECD) and infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices. The digital messaging intervention leveraged an existing opportunity in Telangana, one of the states with the highest penetration of mobile phones and internet usage, including ownership of phones among women, which ensured that messages delivered through the intervention achieved significant reach among beneficiaries. While digital messaging is a promising model for ensuring messages reach women, it cannot replace the critical interpersonal communication offered by frontline workers. Both models are therefore complementary.