Studies carried out worldwide have shown that provision
of safe water and sanitation facilities can only optimize
a reduction of water and sanitation related diseases if
sustainable changes in hygiene behaviour are achieved.
Adoption of new behaviour is a difficult task in itself. The
major objective of the Water and Sanitation Extension
Programme (WASEP) is to significantly reduce diarrhoeal
incidence in partner villages located in northern Pakistan.
In order to achieve its objective, WASEP has been striving
hard to bring about behavioural changes at grass-roots
level, in addition to assisting communities to establish safe
water and sanitation facilities. One of the most important
initiatives towards this end has been the promotion of
healthier behaviour through primary schools. This paper
will describe and share the need, development and implementation,
impact, and issues related to this initiative in the
context of northern Pakistan