ABSTRACT

Research Title

Community Health Club co-design for improved water, sanitation & hygiene (WASH) in Zambian slums

Abstract

This study aimed to address disparities in access to improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in low-income nations and peri-urban areas by implementing a Community Health Club (CHC) in two Zambian slums. Children from three schools participated in a 12-week CHC membership course to assess and improve WASH practices in their communities through participatory action research and mixed methods data collection and analysis. The study found that while the participants had a positive attitude towards hand hygiene in preventing diarrheal diseases, they did not fully understand its importance in preventing the spread of germs from stool and diarrheal diseases. Participants also had a positive attitude towards waste management and personal hygiene, but lacked knowledge on the impact of cattle dung and liquid waste disposal on health. However, the participants found the CHC materials and discussions relevant and valuable, suggesting that it is worth expanding to other areas and audiences. Locations that could benefit from this intervention were identified as Kanyama, Chimwemwe, and John Howard. The findings emphasize the need for targeted education and awareness-raising interventions to improve WASH practices in developing countries to improve the health and wellbeing of communities.