New survey captures experiences of health, water, sanitation and hygiene in communities

This November, MedWater inaugurated its new health and WASH survey, a monitoring tool that will be used to understand where communities are at as they begin a journey towards improved health through water, sanitation, and hygiene. Forty five surveys were implemented in the homes of community members across the villages of Raya Yaku and Malta Pura. Understanding the conditions in which communities live is critical for determining appropriate interventions to protect public health. As communities gain access to safe water, learn more about the importance of good hygiene, and work to make sure everyone in the community has access to a toilet, improvements in health should emerge. A post survey will be implemented after one year to monitor the successes and any change in WASH related behaviors and associated diseases.

Community health promoters helped provide feedback on the development of the survey in order to ensure that it was culturally appropriate and addressed local concerns. Community members felt that the survey was constructive and not too long, a major concern from previous surveys.