Nepal at a glance

In Nepal, the USAID/Hygiene Improvement Project (HIP) is supporting UNICEF to increase the effectiveness and availability of point-of-products (water disinfection at the point-of-use) in targeted districts, exploring both manufacture and/or assembly of filters in the regions. The POU initiative promotes multiple options for water treatment (including colloidal-silver (CS) filters, solar disinfection (SODIS), and the use of sodium hypochlorite solution), involving a wide range of public, NGO and commercial sector partners. HIP researched consumer perspectives toward these various POU water treatment products. The project also involves the design and implementation of a behavior change communication strategy to promote the use of these products as well as the development of training materials and tools. In addition, HIP is working in schools to integrate hygiene improvement into elementary school curriculum and exploring the feasibility of producing large, high-yielding filters for school use.