Infant and young child feces management (IYCFM) and caregiver hygiene in displacement South Sudanese in Uganda, Rhino Camp Settlement

In 2016 Save The Children reviewed documents for humanitarian WASH and found very little guidance for infant and young child feces management (IYCFM) in emergencies. No studies could be found for this topic in displacement, conflict, or epidemic contexts. To address this research gap, formative research was conducted in Rhino settlement, Uganda with South Sudanese refugees using qualitative methods. IYCFM strategies within the settlement were defined using a coded, ten-step process of faeces management and related hygiene practices for children at development stages from birth until ‘independent sanitation’ (from 4 to 7 years). The IYCFM process and coping strategies used by caretakers to manage feces within the context were identified along with significant variations in practices during the night, rainy season, and during diarrheal episodes. Behavioral determinants were collected and analysed using the Integrated Behavioral Model for WASH to help identify useful contextual information for future case studies. Risks beyond unsafe disposal were also identified with suggestions for an extended sanitation chain for those physically or developmentally unable to use latrines. The findings indicate gaps in the current hygiene promotion at addressing IYCFM issues beyond safe disposal. Additional gaps in hardware for child latrine design, ‘adult’ latrine design, and NFI distribution were identified.