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REPORT JULY AUGUST 2026 - WASH and HIV
Social Marketing of Life Saving Health Products
Major investments were made procuring life-saving health products and these were distributed to stock the satellite offices and community kiosks. The products included water treatment and filters, soaps and detergent, menstrual hygiene products, hand washing stations, solar lamps, mosquito nets, clean energy cook stoves, sanitation products, fortified flour among others. An opportunity for social marketing came up during the annual agriculture show in Kisumu where SWAP could exhibit and market its products.
Exhibition of SWAP Health Products
Training was done for 50 community health promoters. They are women (some HIV positive, widows, caretakers of orphans) who previously received some basic training from the Ministry of Health to offer primary health care services in their communities. The women received training on social behavioral change communication, social marketing, village savings and loans, household data collection on HIV, malaria, orphans and vulnerable families and other diseases for referral or home care. Data will be shared monthly for action. While they visit the households they will promote and sell the health products. This sustainable distribution model reduces stigma and makes these marginalized women useful members of society. They become self-reliant through the village savings and loans schemes and from the profit of the sales.
Training of Community Health Promoters in Sabatia
Water Lab
The water lab has been essential for disease surveillance and is a place where international and national research partners evaluate products, innovation and technologies. The team conducted chemical and bacteriological analysis of water samples from various external sources on request, while also routine monitoring was done of SWAP’s 4 solar powered water enterprises to ensure quality and safe drinking water for communities.
220 liters of liquid soap was produced which is sold by the community health promoters. 20 liters of alcohol based hand rub (sanitizer) was prepared as back stock to be used during disease outbreaks.
The lab team underwent mandatory training by the Kenya Bureau of Standards as part of the requirement for operating a certified laboratory.
Production and Packaging of Liquid Soap
Solar Powered Water Enterprises
SWAP established four water enterprises in remote area, using solar and modern technologies for disinfecting water. SWAP won a global water award for these innovations. Local committees are trained to manage these enterprises and SWAP supports with water quality monitoring, technical support and supervision.
The upgrading during this reporting period was of the water enterprises as follows:
Chuthber Water enterprise - ATM vending machine for the water was procured to reduce cash handling and reduce financial risk. The committee received training following installation. Funds of the sale of water are directly channeled into a bank account. Profit is used for maintenance and service.
ATM Water Vending Machine
Ahero SWAP Model Centre – A center where SWAP showcases best public health services including a community kiosk, improved sanitation, a traditional kitchen with clean energy cook-stoves, a training room and the solar powered water enterprise. It is a learning hub.
A technician was hired to increase the water pressure needed because of the high demand for water. A new storage tank of 5000 liters replaced an old leaking tank.
Water Vendors at Ahero SWAP Model Centre
Kopere Water Enterprise – At Kopere a more advanced system was established serving a health facility, a chief’s office, two schools a market and a village. This area used to be prone to cholera outbreaks. Two ATM vending machines were installed during this period at the health facility and the market.
