Sanitation, Hygiene, Infant Nutrition Efficacy Project (SHINE)

Project completed

The Sanitation, Hygiene, Infant Nutrition Efficacy Project (SHINE) intents to reduce infant mortality and improve primary health care in rural Zimbabwe. Four different types of public health programs will be compared in two districts of the Midlands province in order to identify the most effective in combating child stunting and anemia. SOC's earmarked contribution to this project will benefit 2,400 households with pregnant women and focus on delivering soft component (knowledge and best hygiene practices) of the WASH module.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Zimbabwe
Health
Water
Health systems strengthening
Drinking water and basic sanitation (WASH) (til 2016)
Primary health care
01.12.2012 - 31.12.2013
CHF 800'000
Background

Throughout the world, healthy children grow at a remarkably similar rate during the first two years of their life and this regardless of their race, nationality, or environmental climate. However, 33% of Zimbabweans are stunted and 8 cm shorter than the standard at the age of two. This lost growth is permanent and also affect the cognitive development. The underlying causes of stunting remain unknown. However, evidence suggests that poor WASH is an important contributing factor. Consequently the testing of the impact of different public health and WASH interventions on stunting is expected to help improve infant health and avoid stunting in future.

Objectives

Contributing to improved infant health and survival in rural Zimbabwe by 2015.

Target groups

2400 households with pregnant women in Chirumanzu and Shurugwi districts, Midlands Province.

Medium-term outcomes

Increased WASH knowledge and practices of 2400 households with pregnant women in two rural districts of Zimbabwe.

Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Humanitarian aid
Project partners Contract partner
International or foreign NGO
  • Zvitambo (locally registered NGO)


Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF   800'000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF   759'197
Project phases

Phase 1 01.12.2012 - 31.12.2013   (Completed)