The purposes of the drama serial were to: reinforce existing knowledge of the audience about the services, information, and reliability of field workers; motivate members of the audience to access field workers as their primary source of health advice and information and invite field workers into the community and into their homes; and reinforce, demonstrate, and motivate members of the audience to trust and respect the field workers.

The story line was simple, set in rural Bangladesh. The main character, Bokul, demonstrated the best qualities of a dedicated field worker, but also came across as a real human being with faults and weaknesses like anyone else. Bokul undertook a wide variety of tasks within the community. The story emphasised the trust and support Bokul received from the community. She demonstrated appropriate field worker behaviour, and the community demonstrated respect. Each episode answered important health questions while portraying the social realities in rural areas that often stand in the way of a healthy lifestyle.

"I knew most of the things that Shabuj Shathi showed, but seeing them on a drama series made them more urgent and immediate for me. I think I am now a better follower of these habits than before." Dalimer ma, Housemaid.

"If Bokul in Shabuj Shathi, being a girl of a poor family could do all those things, why can't I do the same thing I am more fortunate than her. I went to college, My parents are much better off." Paramita, Housewife.

"There is so much health information to cover. What will we [service providers] do when the serial ends? Thirteen episodes is not enough."

"Bokul, the heroine [of Shabuj Shathi] is the role model for the service providers. The Health and Family Welfare information is finely blended with entertainment. We highly appreciate the effort." - Mr. Mohammad Ali, Secretary of Health, October 12, 1997

"The drama Shabuj Shathi demonstrates Johns Hopkins's contribution to the national health program. Thanks to those who were involved in producing such an excellent series." Mr. Afsan Chowdhury, BBC Correspondent and Freelance Journalist, November 16, 1997

"The Green Umbrella is known to people. The Shabuj Shathi has created a lot of interest among the general population. Now-a-days, people talk about the Green Umbrella." - Mr. Richard Greene, Deputy Team Leader, PH Team, USAID, Dhaka, November 10, 1997.

• Careful application of a systematic communication process designed to achieve effective communication of health messages laid to rest apprehensions that the serial might be just another health education program like others on BTV. The serial not only became one of the most popular programs on BTV but also generated a strong demand for more episodes.

• Thirteen episodes did not cover all of the family health information that needs to reach the general population. Thus, BCCP will work to gain further support from Lever Brothers and/or support from other potential sponsors to produce 26 additional episodes.

• Lever Brothers has expressed interest in sponsoring future TV serial dramas. The success of Lever Brothers sponsorship gives rise to efforts by BCCP to seek additional corporate sponsorship for the next phase of the serial being planned.

• Since fixed site clinics are being enhanced and promoted, Bokul could be portrayed as a service provider in a clinic and/or as a community mobilizer in a continuing series.

• Thirty minutes was not enough time for them to adequately cover complex or controversial issues. Fifty to sixty minutes would be more appropriate. Otherwise, additional information needs to be simplified and phased in gradually over a longer time period.