Clean Hands, Brighter Futures: How Hygiene Promotion is Transforming Lives in Bafut, Mezam.
In Bafut, a subdivision in Mezam, North West Region, Cameroon, children and communities have long suffered from poor hygiene practices, inadequate sanitation facilities, and limited access to clean water. These challenges have deeply affected the health and well-being of children attending Child Friendly Spaces (CFS), where the lack of proper facilities has led to open defecation, the spread of diseases, and low awareness of hygiene’s vital role in daily life.
In response to these pressing needs, UNICEF, with funding from European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and in partnership with Global Community Rescue (GCR), implemented a hygiene promotion project in four CFS in Bafut. The project utilizes the Community Health Education and Sanitation Training (CHAST) and Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST) methodologies. CHAST focuses on empowering children with essential knowledge and skills for better hygiene and sanitation, while PHAST engages local groups and community member to identify challenges and collaboratively develop sustainable solutions. Together, these approaches foster local ownership and lasting behavioral change, ultimately creating healthier and more resilient communities.
The impact of these activities is already evident. In the CFS, children now have increased knowledge about proper handwashing, the correct use of sanitation facilities, and other hygiene practices. UNICEF with the support of its donors is currently construction an inclusive latrine, equipped with handwashing station and a water point to ensure that children can fully practice and demonstrate the behavioral change this intervention has brought to them and become agent of so positive behavioral change in their communities. This would continue to reduce risk related to waterborne diseases and improved overall health in this communities.
Lum, a pupil at one of the TLS, shared, “I never knew that washing my hands with soap could prevent so many illnesses. I will make sure to wash my hands regularly from now on.” Similarly, Mrs. Ngum, a teacher, observed, “The CHEST and PHAST methods are very effective in promoting hygiene practices. We have seen a significant improvement in the health and well-being of our pupils since the hygiene promotion activities began.”
Despite these successes, the reality remains that many children in crisis-affected regions of Cameroon continue to suffer from inadequate access to water, hygiene and sanitation conditions. As the crisis persists, the need for improved access to clean water, proper sanitation facilities, and comprehensive hygiene education becomes ever more urgent. We call on all stakeholders, including the government, NGOs, and community members — to join us in expanding these efforts. Together, we can create a safer, healthier future for every child in Cameroon.
For every child, WASH support
Written by Global community Rescue, and UNICEF communication Officer
