Background on poor WASHQ Conditions and Outcome

Sub–Saharan Africa is a region with more than 80% of all recorded morbidity/mortality cases caused by poor hygiene and lack of access to clean water. The United Nations estimates show that well over 800 children die daily from diarrhea due to inadequate access to clean water and poor hygiene. Faced with low outcomes in achieving optimum health in this region despite resources spent, It is arguable that the one most progressive and sustainable solution available is building behavioral change, which could be achieved through sound government policies, proper sensitization, and persuasive classroom health promotion in specific areas.

Inadequate water, sanitation, hygiene, and quality (WASHQ) conditions exist in a range of settings in Africa. The FODAfrica WASHQ Initiative focuses on developing the knowledge, attitudes, values, and life skills needed to make appropriate and positive health-related decisions. It involves an active, child-centered, and participatory teaching approach of awareness linked to practical lessons that transcend to a wider community. Generally, students that live a healthy lifestyle and reside in clean, healthy environments, tend to perform better than their counterparts who suffer from poor hygiene and unhealthy living conditions. Lack of proper orientation begets poor hygiene and poor sanitation, which inversely places a lot of burden on the health and academic performance of infants and young children all across the world.