Over 1,000 residents in Inhaconjo, a neighbourhood in Beira, Mozambique, have experienced a positive transformation thanks to a community-led hygiene promotion initiative.
This initiative is a result of a collaborative effort between WSUP Mozambique and the local Community-Based Organization Associação Juvenil para o Desenvolvimento do Voluntariado em Mozambique (AJUDE). The initiative has educated residents on the importance of hygiene and health, significantly improving their living conditions.
One of the project’s beneficiaries, Mrs. Zelinha Fernando, a 34-year-old mother of three, shared her story of change.
Before the project, Mrs. Fernando was unaware of the importance of proper handwashing and toilet hygiene. Through the project’s door-to-door sensitization campaigns, she gained valuable knowledge about maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
“I am grateful for the education I received. I now understand the importance of washing my hands with soap, cleaning my toilet regularly, and keeping my courtyard clean. These simple practices have made a big difference in my family’s health and well-being,” said Mrs. Fernando.
The project has led to a noticeable reduction in diarrhoea cases within the community by empowering residents with knowledge and tools to improve their hygiene practices.
“We remain committed to implementing our service delivery model, demonstrating community engagement’s power in addressing public health challenges. By working together, we can create lasting change and improve the overall health and well-being of the community,” said Ms. Fátima Mussá, Program Impact Manager, WSUP Mozambique.
Since 2014, WSUP Mozambique has been supporting sanitation infrastructure improvements for over 200,000 people, promoting proper sanitation practices and reducing the risk of waterborne diseases. The organization has built and rehabilitated numerous toilet facilities, improved access to clean water, and conducted extensive hygiene education campaigns across various communities. The hygiene promotion initiative in Inhaconjo included:
- Conducting door-to-door sensitization campaigns to educate residents about the importance of handwashing with soap, toilet hygiene, and environmental cleanliness.
- Training community mobilizers to lead hygiene education efforts and serve as local advocates for improved sanitation practices
- Installing handwashing stations and providing necessary supplies such as soap and water containers to facilitate better hygiene practices.
- Engaging local leaders and stakeholders to ensure community-wide participation and support for the initiative.
The success of the hygiene promotion initiative in Inhaconjo serves as a model for other communities in Beira and beyond. By addressing the root causes of poor sanitation and empowering residents with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain a clean and healthy environment, WSUP Mozambique and its partners are impacting public health.