Trachoma elimination for children under nine

Face and hand washing with soap is part of the SAFE (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, Environmental improvement) strategy endorsed by WHO to eliminate trachoma, a leading cause of preventable blindness. According to SNV's formative research, a low percentage of children under nine wash their faces with soap three times every day. Further, more than 50% of children have nasal discharge and are exposed to flies, exacerbating the transmission of trachoma.

To help tackle this issue, SNV and Upward Spiral conducted creative development and formative research in January 2024 in two woredas. Based on the findings, SNV developed an intervention which was piloted in both woredas, with the support of the local government staff. Initial responses to the intervention have been encouraging, and insights from its subsequent monitoring and evaluation are expected to inform intervention refinement for scale-up to other woredas.

SNV and Upward Spiral, Creative Development and Formative Research Report, Face and Hand Washing and Soap for Children Under Nine for Trachoma Elimination, Mumbai, Upward Spiral, 2024.

This research study and the subsequent behavioural change campaigns and monitoring initiatives that follow represent SNV's ongoing commitment to scaling up basic WASH services for all. Methodologically, the study engages in a hub approach, working with others to accelerate the pace of change and facilitate cross-learning and exchange. Visit the SNV-Upward Spiral behaviour change hub approach to learn more.

For practitioners, consider diving into this study's set of research guides.

SNV, Upward Spiral, Ministry of Health - Ethiopia, Oromia Health Bureau, The Fred Hollows Foundation, and Australian Aid