Waterborne transmission of enteric pathogens is common in developing countries. For populations lacking access to safe water, CDC has developed a Safe Water System (SWS), consisting of point-of-use water chlorination, safe water storage in narrow-mouth plastic vessels, and education. CARE Kenya initiated a project to socially market the SWS, adapting it to include culturally preferred clay pots, in rural western Kenya.
We performed a baseline survey in 50% of households in 12 villages targeted for social marketing of SWS, and 6 neighboring communities. We are measuring free chlorine residuals in stored household water to determine SWS rate of use. We will conduct active surveillance for diarrhea among children <5 years old through weekly home visits for 8 weeks, and compare disease rates in intervention and non-intervention communities.
In the baseline assessment, 100% of 736 households used surface or ground water for drinking; 275 (37%) respondents believed their source water was safe. In 677 (92%) households, drinking water was stored in clay pots. In 163 (42%) of 390 households with children <5 years old, at least one resident child had had diarrhea during the previous 2 weeks. There were no significant differences in water handling practices between intervention and non-intervention communities; however, diarrhea prevalence was higher in non-intervention than intervention communities (51% vs. 36%, p=0.005).
This population is at high risk for waterborne diseases and diarrhea prevalence was high among children <5 years old. Data from active surveillance for diarrhea are pending.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Water Quality, Diarrhea
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.