Project Example

Diagnostico Sobre Agua Para Beber [Drinking Water Assessment Card]

This card is part of a set produced by projects in Peru and Nicaragua aimed at reducing diarrheal disease incidence, even in communities with adequate latrines and piped water.

In Peru, the project produced assessment cards, counseling cards, posters, other reminder materials, a counseling guide, photo ID cards for the promoters, leaflets, and various forms. The Peru project also developed audio dramas that were played and discussed in groups or which individuals could listen to on hand washing, latrine use, safe water, and hygiene. In addition to these communication activities, after learning about families’ difficult access to essential water and sanitation products, both the Peru and Nicaragua projects worked with communities to organize a “community store” that sold products conveniently and at low cost.

Evaluation results after one year of behavior change activities with families in Peru included a significant decline in reports of diarrhea among children under five. Safe water handling increased from 36% to 84%, and many other practices had steep improvements. The approach followed in these projects was captured in the publication of Improving Health Through Behavior Change: A Process Guide on Hygiene Promotion.

Source: The Manoff Group, Inc., EHPII/PanAmerican Health Organization

Date of Publication: March 25, 2019