Research
DepartmentSWAP has since 2007 established a research department with technical support from CDC Atlanta undertaking various effectiveness studies, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate the health and economic impact of some of SWAP’s interventions and its distribution model. The research findings keep SWAP informed and its findings are also shared with the community leaders, international conferences, journals and publications. These findings have been instrumental in informing policies and implementation models worldwide.
SWAP
Model VillageSWAP acquired land at Ahero, about 100 meters from the Nyando River to put
up a model village which is intended to showcase the interventions that SWAP
deals with in the community. These include; Safe Water system products, Indoor
Air Quality (IAQ), improved traditional kitchen and the Pampers Baby and Family
Care center. Inside the SMV the sky hydrant was installed with funding and
support from Janivo foundation, Aquaya Institute, Global Water challenge,
Proctor and Gamble, IPA among other private well-wishers. The system draws
water from the river using a fuel powered pump. The water is purified and
then sold to the community at very low cost.
The center has a community banda which provides space for community meetings,
trainings and health education, clean toilet with a handwashing facility for
demonstration. Solar has been installed to provide for electricity and outside
there is a chlorine dispenser to chlorinate the water
Training
ProgramLeaders Orientation workshops This is a one day meeting with opinion leaders in a District and its purpose is to orient leaders and introduce them to the SWAP’s model, its staff, the basket of goods, share research findings and get the leaders involvement and support to mobilize the communities to adopt healthier behaviors. Targeted leaders include the Provincial Administration, Churches, Local Authorities and Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation.
Outreach
and MobilizationSWAP creates awareness to HIV support groups and builds their capacity.
Groups targeted are widows, people living with HIV, home based care groups,
youth groups, orphan support groups and other self help groups.
Cholera
Response ProjectThe purpose of this project is to provide a rapid integrated response to cholera outbreaks to reduce morbidity and mortality, and prevent the spread of illness. The project was initiated in 2006 with funding from Global Disease Detection and the Integrated Diseases Surveillance and Response programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To implement this project, SWAP partners with the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Population Services International (PSI), and the Red Cross. Response activities have two principal components: Training of personnel from the Ministry of Health, Red Cross, local government personnel, NGO personnel, schoolteachers, and others.Distribution of water treatment and hygiene products.
SWAP sells both wholesale and retail from the office. SWAP is also selling
to partner organizations. The following are some of the products in SWAP’s
Basket.
• WaterGuard
• PuR
• Aquatabs
SWAP has been supporting orphans and vulnerable children with psychosocial support including counseling and referrals, school fees and requirements. SWAP further offers support to approximately 100 desperate orphans and vulnerable children per year by providing counseling, referral and clearance of areas of fees. SWAP encourages cost sharing with the caretakers.
The above response started during the post election violence whereby SWAP was supporting internally displaced and returnees with health products, material support and counseling. The main aim was to prevent diarrhea, malaria and other infections.
SWAP participates in many occasions and has exhibitions and promotion of
health products during Global Hand Washing Day and World AIDS Marathon., international
water day, NGO week e.t.c.
SWAP has for the sixth year organized the World AIDS Marathon bringing together
runners from all walks of life. The World AIDS Marathon is held on the 1st
of December. Activities include full and half marathon, relays, walk for vulnerable
children, Voluntary and Counseling services, Sexually Transmitted Infections
Treatment, Condom Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Safe Water Demonstrations.