Publication: Enabling Environment Assessment and Baseline for Scaling Up Handwashing Programs : Peru
Date
2008-04
ISSN
Published
2008-04
Author(s)
Favin, Michael
Alfaro, Doris
Abstract
To follow up country work supported by
the Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing, the World
Bank Water and Sanitation Program (WSP) received funding
from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to support
projects to scale up the promotion of handwashing with soap
(HWWS) in Peru, Senegal, Tanzania, and Vietnam. The major
project objectives of the handwashing Initiative are: (i)
inculcate the HWWS habit among millions of mothers and
children in these countries; (ii) use a strong monitoring
and evaluation (M&E) component to enhance the
conceptualizing and management of such programs; and (iii)
establish sustainable programs that will continue and expand
after this four-year grant ends. Evaluation of actual impact
on knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding HWWS shows
some positive and some inconclusive findings. However, the
study team feels that much excellent groundwork for the
expanded program in Peru has been solidly laid by efforts to
date and that, in combination with strong political will
from the national government and a certain level of
guaranteed funding, the outlook for effective expansion is
very good. The Peruvian program implemented activities at
the national level and developed partnerships and activities
in 14 of Peru's 24 regions. Preliminary monitoring and
evaluation showed mixed but promising improvements in
knowledge, attitudes, and practices, particularly in
handwashing before eating and preparing food. Fostering
partnerships at the national, regional, and local levels has
been a key project strategy. Although this has been
difficult and demanding at times, it has also been a major
reason for progress. Both interpersonal communication (in
schools and communities) and mass media (mostly print and
radio) made important contributions to changing knowledge,
attitudes, and practices.
Citation
“Favin, Michael; Alfaro, Doris. 2008. Enabling Environment Assessment and Baseline for Scaling Up Handwashing Programs : Peru. Water and Sanitation Program;. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/17373 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”