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Wajir launches hygiene campaign to safeguard flood-affected households

Health officials and partner organizations in Wajir led by the CEC for Health and sanitation Habiba Ali flagging off the hygiene programme at Afya House in Wajir Town.

By Issa Hussein | Thursday, December 21, 2023

Following the El Niño flash floods that impacted 18,750 households in Wajir County, the Department of Health, in partnership with UNICEF and the United Mission for Relief and Development organization, has launched a crucial hygiene promotion program.

Following the El Niño flash floods that impacted 18,750 households in Wajir County, the Department of Health, in partnership with UNICEF and the United Mission for Relief and Development organization, has launched a crucial hygiene promotion program.

The initiative, focusing on household water treatment, aims to prevent waterborne diseases by ensuring the safety of domestic water sources in flood-affected areas. This will be achieved through the distribution and demonstration of water treatment chemicals like chlorine, aqua tabs, and Purifyer.

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Some of the medicine on display at Wajir Afya House.

Public engagement is a key element of the program. Public barazas (community gatherings) will be held to raise awareness, while demonstrations on proper handwashing techniques and health education sessions will equip communities with practical knowledge. The distribution and demonstration of water treatment chemicals will further empower households to safeguard their water sources.

This multi-pronged approach ensures access to safe water across all sub-counties in Wajir. Beyond chemical treatment, communities will also be educated on alternative methods like boiling, chlorination, filtration, reverse osmosis, solar water disinfection, and ultraviolet purification.

By equipping communities with knowledge and tools, the program aims to prevent the outbreak of diseases often associated with contaminated floodwater. This proactive initiative demonstrates a commitment to protecting the health and well-being of Wajir County residents in the aftermath of the floods.

This revised version highlights the partnership, targets, and potential impact of the hygiene promotion program. It uses clear and concise language while emphasizing the importance of community engagement and alternative water safety methods. The rewritten text conveys a sense of urgency and commitment to safeguarding the health of flood-affected communities.