Communities in Mandera County have marked a significant public health milestone, with nine out of ten targeted villages declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) under the Hanaano WASH Programme.
The achievement was celebrated on 19th November, coinciding with World Toilet Day 2025, highlighting the transformative impact of community-led sanitation initiatives.
The success was driven by active Village Sanitation Committees, Community Health Promoters, and widespread behaviour change efforts that encouraged households to adopt improved hygiene practices.
In addition to ending open defecation, households embraced better water management practices, including safe water storage, proper transportation, and household-level water treatment, further enhancing health outcomes in the region.
The Hanaano WASH Programme, implemented by RACIDA in partnership with Concern Worldwide and the Mandera County Government’s Public Health Department, with support from Irish Aid, has focused on coordinated, sustainable interventions to improve sanitation and hygiene across the county.
This milestone demonstrates the power of community-led initiatives in promoting public health, reducing disease risks, and creating safer, healthier environments.
With continued commitment, the programme aims to sustain these achievements and extend improved sanitation and water management practices to additional villages in Mandera.
