GHDF has implemented a wide range of hygiene promotion and sanitation improvement initiatives aimed at preventing disease and improving the well-being of refugees, particularly in Mahama Refugee Camp.

Infrastructure Development

• 1,494 handwashing facilities were supplied and installed throughout Mahama Refugee Camp, supporting daily hygiene practices.

Community Engagement and Behavioral Change

• Daily door-to-door hygiene promotion conducted by trained Hygiene Promoters.
• Weekly jerrycan cleaning campaigns to prevent contamination of drinking water.
• Weekly inspections of Nutrition Centers to ensure hygiene compliance and safety for vulnerable populations.
• Mass campaigns aimed at raising awareness and encouraging community-wide behavior change.
• Dissemination of hygiene and sanitation messages through; Community, Public meetings and Worship centers

Formation and facilitation of Community Hygiene Clubs, empowering residents to lead hygiene initiatives.

Overall Reach

• A total of 78,530 individuals in Mahama, Kigeme, and various Reception Centers received direct hygiene and sanitation messages through GHDF activities.

Communication for Development (C4D)

GHDF partnered with UNICEF to implement the “Communication for Development” program in Mahama Refugee Camp, beginning in January 2017. The program aimed to raise awareness and promote key family health practices among the refugee population. A notable innovation introduced during this initiative was the “Talking Book,” a portable audio device designed to support Community Health Workers (CHWs) in delivering consistent and impactful health messages. These compact devices, preloaded with Ministry of Health-approved hygiene messages and equipped with built-in speakers, were distributed to CHWs for use during door-to-door outreach and Community Hygiene Club meetings.

This marked the first time the Talking Book technology was deployed in a refugee context. Its introduction in Mahama Refugee Camp was made possible through the generous support of the Government of Japan and in collaboration with partners including Literacy Bridge and the Centre for Behaviour Change and Communication (CBCC).