1.3.1 “By 2015 develop ten modular education programmes, based on harmonized communication strategies, that foster a better understanding of linkages between water, sanitation, hygiene, food security and health to consumers, practitioners, policy/decision-makers and health promoters, and to deliver these programmes in 30 countries by 2018.”

 

Rationale:

The link between access to water and sanitation and uptake of good hygiene practices has been demonstrated in the literature[1], as have the health benefits associated with these hygiene practices[2],[3],[4]. Furthermore, access to safe water and adequate sanitation alongside hygiene have direct linkages to improved health[5].

In order to facilitate behavior change for sustainable water and sanitation interventions, it is essential to engage and empower individuals and communities to own solutions. Education accrues health and other benefits through more rapid uptake of solutions at the community level. At the professional level, access to appropriate and validated information facilitates evidence-based decision-making, especially for policy-makers. Moreover, mobilizing communities and individuals through education and awareness can lead to grass roots advocacy and action.

An essential pillar of ownership (of issues, of solutions and of actions) is communication; communication of what is needed, why it is needed and how this can be achieved. However, not all communication strategies are equal and not all communication strategies are appropriate for different groups and in different social and cultural contexts.

Description:

This target has two components. The first will focus on how messages and information are conveyed to various stakeholders, while the second will develop modular education programmes building upon the findings of (1).

1. How to communicate

A framework will be developed to assess evaluated communication strategies (format and delivery), for water and/or sanitation and links to health, hygiene and /or food security. This framework will be applied through a systematic analytical review process that will inform gaps and establish guidelines for appropriate strategies depending upon the topic, audience and/or context. Recommendations will be made for improving the quality of communication on water and health, and will be integrated into the development of education modules (see 2, below).

2. Education

Modules will be developed for water, agriculture and health professionals to be delivered through regional education centres as either class-room or e-learning based courses. These courses will be augmented by regional case studies. Appropriate content will be converted into community-based and youth-focused messages and education materials.

Topics are to be finalized, but may include:

  • Hydrology, regional water use, change
  • Water quantity and quality
  • Water quality and health
  • Water quantity and health
  • Protecting water quality for health
  • Water treatment, provision and access
  • Sanitation provision and access
  • Water, sanitation and hygiene – pillars of public health
  • Water conservation strategies
  • Water and food security
  • Wastewater reuse, food security and health
  • Public health systems and environmental health
  • Community involvement and community-based solutions
  • Integrated water resources management and health
  • Traditional knowledge and practices, hygiene and health
  • Water and sanitation, child and maternal health
  • Information technology, data sharing and reporting – building an evidence base
  • Advocacy: the importance of water and sanitation for development


[1] UN. 2003. Water for People, Water for Life. World Water Development Report UNESCO. Available from: http://www.unesco.org/water/wwap/wwdr/wwdr1/table_contents/index.shtml (Accessed June 2011)

[2] Fewtrell L., Kaufmann R.B., Kay D., Enanoria W., Haller L. and Colford J.M. 2005. Water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions to reduce diarrhoea in less developed countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Lancet Infectious Diseases 5(1):42–52

[3] Zwane A.P. and Kremer M. 2007. What Works In Fighting Diarrheal Diseases In Developing Countries? A Critical Review. The World Bank Research Observer Advance Access (May 4)

[4] Rabie T. and Curtis V. 2006. Handwashing and risk of respiratory infections: a quantitative systematic review. Tropical Medicine and International Health. 11(3):258–267

[5] Bartram J. and Cairncross J. 2010. Hygiene, Sanitation, and Water: Forgotten Foundations of Health. PLoS Med 7(11): e1000367. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1000367

Key organisations :

Coordinator: UNU INWEH

Co-coordinator: French Water Academy

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