WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE
Inadequate access to proper sanitation remains a significant problem globally due to the spread of numerous communicable diseases through inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene management (WASH). These diseases affect everyone, but disproportionately affect children and the most economically vulnerable populations. Kenya is known as one of the most water scarce countries in the world, making it incredibly difficult to have access to safe water and improved sanitation. Within Kisii County, 65.8% of of the county is considered to have unimproved sanitation coverage.* This make Kisii County a prime location for intentional and collaborative efforts towards improved sanitation coverage and safe water treatment practices.
* Unimproved sanitation is one that does not ensure hygienic separation of human excreta from human contact. Includes: pit latrines without a slab or
platform, hanging latrines and bucket latrines
KIKOP's efforts have not only focused on reducing maternal and infant mortality during pregnancy, but also ensuring that our beneficiaries have access to environmental factors that promote and enable proper WASH practices within the household.
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KIKOP has assisted the Kisii County Ministry of Health in the monitoring of specific health indicators related to WASH, including households having proper hand-washing practices, water treatment, and being open-defecation free (ODF).
Through our Care Group approach, we have incorporated lessons on WASH and proper menstrual hygiene management. These lessons have helped build the capacity of beneficiary households to increase safe hygiene practices in the household, such as proper hand-washing and the treatment of water. We have also seen the increase of hygiene items in the homes (e.g. handwashing stations), and have even taught the community members to make and sell their own soap.
A survey administered to 200 women in 2021 demonstrates the KIKOP's extraordinary ability to improve WASH knowledge and practices within the households we serve.
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WASH indicators | 2018 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|
Prevalence of ODF households | 10% | 79% |
Households reporting having a proper handwashing station | 8% | 60% |
Mothers who state that they apply regular safe water treatment to drinking water | 13% | 49% |
Mothers who reported that in the past 24 hours they washed their hands with soap, water at all 4 critical moments | 81% | 96% |
Mothers in an ODF household | 8% | 52% |
