Vector Ludo: A research-informed, educational, adapted board game to inform about common disease vectors in Uganda

Vector Ludo is a game inspired by the popular board game Ludo but drawing exclusively from original research and graphics/rules co-created by researchers, practitioners, a graphic artist, and communities in Scotland and Uganda and from historical Ludo works in the public domain. Ludo is a tabletop game at the heart of Ugandan culture. It has been a successful way to engage with community members during fieldwork, and this unique version has initiated essential conversations about vector-borne illnesses and prevention methods. Participants must bring their tokens safely to their homes while navigating four areas that feature different disease-transmitting vectors, which are common in Uganda and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. ‘Special fields’ can delay or stop players when coming in contact with the vector, but they can also lead to an advancement around the board when following disease prevention activities. Information is shown for the different vectors (black flies, ticks, mosquitoes, and snails) and the transmitted diseases (Onchocerciasis, Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever, Malaria, and Schistosomiasis). The game is available in English and six local languages commonly spoken in Uganda: Luganda, Ateso, Karamojong, Lugbara, Lusoga, and Lukhonzho. Thus, it is accessible to many different communities.