An analysis of the effectiveness of WASH interventions in relation to diarrhoeal diseases in Chipinge district, Zimbabwe

• Effectiveness of WASH interventions in diarrhoeal mitigation.
• Increase in diarrhoeal diseases despite WASH interventions.
• Knowledge gap on WASH relevance.
• Inadequacy of WASH interventions.

A study to analyse the effectiveness of WASH interventions in mitigating diarrhoeal diseases in ward 22 of Chipinge district, Manicaland Province was done in 2012. The objectives of the study were to determine the existing WASH interventions in the ward, to assess the KAP on WASH interventions as a mitigation measure against diarrhoeal disease, to analyse the trend of diarrhoea from 2005 to 2011 and to analyse the behaviour change attributed to WASH interventions. Data was collected using interviews, questionnaires, FGDs and observation checklists. Data was analysed using SPSS version 16.0 and qualitative data was analysed by developing themes related to specific objectives. Results showed that WASH interventions were in place in all the villages of ward 22 though they were inadequate. The interventions among others included borehole rehabilitation, latrine construction and Participatory Health and Hygiene Education (PHHE). The cases of diarrhoea were on the increase between 2005 and 2011 despite the various WASH interventions. It was also noted that, although the communities had knowledge on good hygiene practices, economic hardships prevented them from practicing. Behaviour change was also noticed due to an increase in the number of households with hygiene enabling facilities. It was concluded that there is need to provide more water supply and sanitation facilities in the ward. Nurses and EHTs in the ward need to intensify on Health and hygiene education. It was recommended that the duration for PHHE sessions be lengthened and that Village Health Clubs should be formed for sustainability of the health and hygiene component of the interventions. Participation of vulnerable groups such as the disabled, People Living with HIV and AIDS and child headed families should also be encouraged as their participation was seen to be very low, yet their contribution in the society is very critical.