WASH Barriers to Neglected Tropical Disease Prevention Practices in Primary Schools: A Case Study of Bunyala Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Neglected tropical diseases targeted for management and eradication by the year 2030 depend heavily on water, sanitation, and hygiene. Clean water and hygienic conditions are crucial in reducing exposure to diseases; while sanitation is crucial in management of various Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). This is particularly vital in schools, where children are often highly vulnerable to infection, and where good hygiene practices are taught and reinforced. Despite the Kenya School Health Policy and the Constitution of Kenya aiming at reducing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)-related diseases and ensuring access to clean water and adequate sanitation in schools, there has been a reported increase in the prevalence of these diseases, including NTDs. The study was conducted in Bunyala Sub-County, using a cross-sectional study design. It employed a purposive sampling method to select 2 wards out of the 4 wards in the sub-county; and 2 primary schools per the selected wards. Data was collected using observation checklists. Three major themes emerged through a critical thematic analysis of the school profiles and sanitation facilities: inadequacy of sanitation facilities, gender disparity in infrastructure, and gaps in inclusion of special needs and hygiene. The study concluded that the physical environment in schools poses a severe threat to the health education interventions intended to improve pupils’ practices on NTD prevention; and recommended expansion of infrastructure to cater for the large population, construct integrated WASH blocks, and address systemic environmental risks.