tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
PLoS One
. 2024 Jun 6;19(6):e0303073.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303073. eCollection 2024. Lessons from the deployment and management of public handwashing stations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya: A cross-sectional, observational study
Josphat Martin Muchangi[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Dennis Munai[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Rogers Moraro[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Astrid Hasund Thorseth[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Viola Tupeyia[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Judy Muriithi[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Jennifer Lamb[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Richard Gichuki[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Katie Greenland[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Sheillah Simiyu[SUP] 3 [/SUP]
Affiliations
During the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya, 5,311 handwashing stations were distributed by the National Business Compact Coalition (NBCC) to help combat the virus. This study evaluated 316 of these stations across five counties, assessing functionality, usability, and accessibility. Quantitative data, including spot checks and surveys, revealed that 83.9% of the evaluated stations were functional, with paid caretakers, which is associated with higher functionality rates. Qualitative insights underscored challenges such as inadequate signage and limited soap and water availability, particularly affecting individuals with disabilities. Despite initial success, only 61% of stations remained functional 6-8 months post-distribution, often due to relocation by caretakers. Future distributions should prioritize long-term support for caretakers to sustain station functionality. This study highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and support for public handwashing facilities in pandemic response efforts.
. 2024 Jun 6;19(6):e0303073.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303073. eCollection 2024. Lessons from the deployment and management of public handwashing stations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya: A cross-sectional, observational study
Josphat Martin Muchangi[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Dennis Munai[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Rogers Moraro[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Astrid Hasund Thorseth[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Viola Tupeyia[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Judy Muriithi[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Jennifer Lamb[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Richard Gichuki[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Katie Greenland[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Sheillah Simiyu[SUP] 3 [/SUP]
Affiliations
- PMID: 38843240
- DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303073
During the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya, 5,311 handwashing stations were distributed by the National Business Compact Coalition (NBCC) to help combat the virus. This study evaluated 316 of these stations across five counties, assessing functionality, usability, and accessibility. Quantitative data, including spot checks and surveys, revealed that 83.9% of the evaluated stations were functional, with paid caretakers, which is associated with higher functionality rates. Qualitative insights underscored challenges such as inadequate signage and limited soap and water availability, particularly affecting individuals with disabilities. Despite initial success, only 61% of stations remained functional 6-8 months post-distribution, often due to relocation by caretakers. Future distributions should prioritize long-term support for caretakers to sustain station functionality. This study highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and support for public handwashing facilities in pandemic response efforts.