Inclusive Environments | Student Poster | 2019

WaSH Communication in Uganda

Institutions and Methods Utilized for Dissemination of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Information

Kennedy George, Elizabeth Schlant, Ashabrick Nantege, Catherine Cook-Cottone, Meghana Joshi
Institutions and methods of communication.

Introduction

Communication is an essential component of all global public health work and research. Communities all over the world have different methods of communication, and levels of trust in regards to who provides health information. It’s still unclear what sources are deemed credible and trustworthy by Ugandan community members (Omona & Mukuye, 2012). This research discusses the most common methods and networks used to relay public health information about water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) throughout Uganda. These surveys also assessed whether WaSH messaging includes information for various vulnerable groups. This data was then used to create a communication protocol for the ATC, a Ugandan WaSH agency. Survey results indicate that the important networks for water and sanitation information included government workers, doctors, NGOs, religious institutions and schools. The most common methods of communication regarding water and sanitation were person-to-person verbal contact, radio, television, newspapers and ‘village radios.’ Approximately 50% reported that water and sanitation messaging included information for the vulnerable groups. Networks that were trusted to convey information about menstrual hygiene included doctors, government workers and schools. Menstrual hygiene communication methods included television, radio, posters and ‘village radios.’ Approximately two-thirds of people said menstrual hygiene information included messaging for the various vulnerable groups. Person-to-person verbal communication was reported to be the most highly preferred method of communication.

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Project Links

  • Analyzing WaSH Communications in Uganda
    5/14/20
    Much like a disease, misinformation can spread quickly throughout communities. Public health officials need to know that they are meeting the needs of communities so as to ensure population-level health and wellbeing.