Researchers in Kenya say simple text messaging to health care workers is an inexpensive way to remind them how to properly and effectively treat African children suffering with malaria.

Their study appears in the British medical journal Lancet.

It says health workers in the field in Kenya were sent messages urging them to check on their patients. The messages reminded them of the proper medicines and advice. The study says the number of patients getting the right treatment more than doubled.

Some of the messages to the workers repeated the symptoms of malaria, including fever, coughs, and diarrhea.

The study says the cost of sending a text message in Kenya is about one penny.