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

Practices and effects of menstrual hygiene management in rural Bangladesh

This study explored the existing practices on menstrual hygiene management of the girls and women in rural Bangladesh. It has also depicted the associated effects against existing practices linking with school attendance, performance, affordability of menstrual products etc. The results of the study are retrieved using both quantitative and qualitative research methods i.e. questionnaire survey, focus group discussion, key informant interviews etc. Study revalued that 91% school girls use old unhygienic cloths while 9% use improved products. Above 90% girls dispose pads un-hygienically which is not environment friendly. Among the girls, 48% miss 3 or more days causing bad performance on their results. And, 86% girls reported that improved menstrual items are not affordable for them. Improper menstrual management is identified a barrier of women empowerment. For a way forward, integrating menstrual hygiene management interventions with relevant development programmes are recommended to improve the exiting state