The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office (FO) Caraga hosts the National Training of Trainers on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and LEARN in Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) through the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) at Surigao City—July 31-August 4, 2023.

The activity participated by the regional focal persons and representatives of ECCD and SFP is anchored on the WASH and LEARN Guidebook adopted by the ECCD Council and developed by UNICEF in partnership with the Center for Health Solutions and Innovations, Inc. (CHSI).

Resource persons from CHSI spearheaded the activity. Ms. Faustina Margarita Molina-Viriña contextualized the positive and negative macro effects of something as micro as hand washing. Moreover, Ms. Ada Marie Tayao demonstrated the approach and strategy to teaching WASH interactively and creatively that is appropriate in conveying the key messages of the importance of WASH.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 50% of undernutrition is associated with infections caused by poor water systems and hygiene. These WASH-related diseases, like parasitic diseases and diarrhea, inhibit nutrition absorption and lead to undernutrition and stunting.

Thus, DSWD emphasizes that proper sanitation, hygiene, and safe drinking are the arms that will make appropriate diet and nutrition effective. The Agency furthers its efforts in washing these kinds of problems away through activities that foster the active participation of partners, stakeholders, and client beneficiaries.

Together we say, “Goodbye Dumi! Hello Healthy!”