Sustainability of WASH practices: hygiene behaviour in the rural settings of Bangladesh

Hygiene behaviour is one of the most important conditions for keeping people healthy. To improve the situation in rural areas, BRAC and in collaboration with Govt. of Bangladesh, has been implementing phased water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) program in 250 sub-districts since the mid-2006. To find out the impact of WASH implementation services in rural households, the BRAC Research and Evaluation Division conducted baseline (in 2006), midline (2009) and end-line (2011) surveys in 50 upazilas (sub-districts) of the first phase. Over 26,000 households were included in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interview and observation using pre-tested questionnaire, and were analysed using standard method. Analysis revealed an improvement in hygiene behaviour including putting cover on water jar during carrying and storing water for drinking increased across the survey periods were observed, where ultra-poor households were practicing like non-poor households at the endline- a great achievement in the service delivery system of BRAC WASH mainly for the ultra-poor households. Service delivery for improving hygiene behavior related implementation works can be sustainable if community people are involved in the process with proper training and periodic monitoring is ensured even after completion of any project.