The outcomes of community-based water, sanitation and hygiene interventions: a case of Bangladesh

The study explores the outcomes of integrated water, sanitation and hygiene interventions, implemented under community-based development initiative program at 8 communities in Magura, Kustia, Nator and Nilphamary districts of Bangladesh. Installing and implementing appropriate interventions, hygiene behaviours and practices were improved significantly among the communities. The coverage of using improved latrine reached 100% in 2012 as compared to 67% in 2010. Open defecation rate declined at zero. Diarrheal and vector-borne diseases reduced by 48% in 15 rural villages through adopting good practices i.e. avoiding open defecation, using improved latrines, washing hand with soap before taking meal and after using toilet etc. Such results were achieved by the active engagement and participation of change agents and community people in planning, implementation and monitoring stages. The integrated approach with other components like disaster risk reduction, health, education and livelihood in the program triggered to achieve such results.