Assessing and addressing hygiene issues of internally displaced persons of Swat, Buner and Dir

The goal of hygiene promotion is to help the internally displaced persons (IDPs) learn about and develop good hygiene practices to prevent diseases and develop positive attitudes towards good health practices. The paper describes the steps and measures taken by IRSP to handle unhygienic conditions in camps and host families. Trained and qualified hygiene promoters were inducted to carry out the proposed activities of hygiene promotion. The staff carried out a rapid assessment and needs survey of the camps and areas where the IDPs were residing with relatives and friends.

The findings were shared with the management to prepare an effective action plan to educate and create awareness among the IDPs regarding important issues of hygiene. Leaders and activists (men and women) were identified and trained among the IDPs. Corner and broad based meetings were held to sensitize and educate the communities about the best practices and how to adopt these and what will be the impact of these practice on their health and environment. During the process bath soap, dish washing soap, detergents, towels, water purifier tabs, sanitary cloth, tooth brush and toothpaste were provided.

The hygiene messages and IEC material regarding hygiene promotion is not possible in an emergency, hygiene quiz, puppet shows, walks, debates, traditional and local sports were arranged to attract the IDPs and convey them the messages regarding hygienic practices Female hygiene promoters demonstrated and then arranged a competition among the IDPs about how to fasten the menstrual cloth, how to unknot it and how to clean it in limited time period. Local FM radio services were hired to air programs regarding hygiene promotion.

[Paper written for the South Asia Hygiene practioners’ workshop, 1 – 4 February 2010, Dhaka, Bangladesh]