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Assessing and Addressing Hygiene Issues of Internally Displaced Persons of Swat, Buner and Dir, Pakistan
Summary
The goal of hygiene promotion in Swat, Buner, and Dir is to help the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) understand and develop positive attitudes toward good hygiene practices that prevent diseases.
This paper describes the steps and measures taken by the Integrated Regional Support Program (IRSP) to handle unhygienic conditions in camps and in host family settings. Trained and qualified hygiene promoters were inducted to carry out the proposed hygiene promotion activities. The staff carried out a rapid assessment and needs survey of the camps and areas where IDPs were residing with relatives and friends. The findings were developed into an action plan designed to educate and create awareness among IDPs about important hygiene issues. Leaders and activists (both men and women) from within the IDP population were identified and trained. Corner and broad based meetings were held to sensitize and educate the communities about best practices and their adoption and impact on health and environment.
During the process, bath soap, dish washing soap, detergents, towels, water purifier tabs, sanitary cloth, toothbrushes and toothpaste were provided. In an emergency situation when delivery of IEC hygiene materials was not possible, hygiene quizzes, puppet shows, walks, debates, and traditional and local sports were arranged to attract IDPs and convey hygiene messages. Female hygiene promoters demonstrated how to efficiently fasten, untie and clean the menstrual cloth, and then arranged a competition among IDPs. Local FM radio services were hired to air programmes regarding hygiene promotion.
This paper was presented at the Hygiene Practitioners Workshop, Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 2010.
About the publisher
BRAC is a Bangladesh-based NGO working to empower people and communities in situations of poverty, illiteracy, disease and social injustice. BRAC currently runs a large-scale WASH programme in many rural areas.
The International Water and Sanitation Center (IRC) facilitates the sharing, promotion and use of knowledge so that governments, professionals and organizations can better support poor men, women and children in developing countries to obtain water and sanitation services they will use and maintain.
WaterAid transforms lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the world’s poorest communities. In 26 countries in Africa, Asia and Pacific region, and at the global level, they work with partners and influence decision makers to maximize impact.
The Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) is a global multi-stakeholder partnership and membership organization that works to achieve sustainable water supply and sanitation for all people, through enhancing collaboration among sector agencies and professionals.
