In continuation of the implementation of the Performance Improvement Action Plans (PIAPs) for Q2 and the PDO of the NG-SURWASH programme in strengthening institutional capacity, Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation (ISWSC) spearheaded a 2-day enlightening sanitation marketing training for relevant ISWSC management and key staff, ward coordinators in the urban areas, and SPIU sanitation representative. With a renewed focus on sustainability and behavioral change, the trainings are expected to set the stage for a dynamic shift in sanitation practices and attitudes.
At the heart of the first training moderated by Engr Henry Adiruo, the resource person Mr Malachi Uchegbu, a seasoned public health consultant from Better Life Community Life Initiative, emphasized that the process of behavior change should be an ongoing endeavor, requiring active engagement and dedication. A powerful message alone cannot effect behavioral change; rather, it is the consistent and long-term effort that yields sustainable results.
One of the crucial insights presented during the training was the integral role of sanitation in primary healthcare which the facilitator said that the neglect in this fundamental element results in a surge of endemic diseases seen at higher healthcare levels. This connection was further emphasized by outlining ten major components of primary healthcare, each closely interwoven with proper sanitation practices.
The topic of recycling excreta emerged as a fascinating subject, with recommendations to ISWSC to adopt excreta management recycling and even consider the sale of the recycled product as a means of generating revenue, following successful examples from certain regions in Ghana. Drawing inspiration from Ghana’s remarkable sanitation success as one of the best places in sanitation after Singapore, the resource person also drew from extra-biblical evidence to reinforce the principle that nothing is wasted in creation. This powerful reminder urged participants to embrace a sustainable and conscientious approach to sanitation in modern civilization.
While highlighting the key to effective sanitation marketing, the resource person stressed the importance of understanding target clients and their specific needs. Armed with this knowledge, sanitation marketers can craft communication messages that genuinely resonate with the clients and lead to positive changes in their behaviors.
The dynamic Managing Director/CEO of ISWSC echoed the significance of Social and Behavioral Change Campaign (SBCC) in the sanitation marketing realm. “As far as sanitation and hygiene are concerned, human activities have a profound impact on humanity. What you give is what you get,” the Managing Director articulated. He also emphasized the value of fostering friendly discussions with clients, stressing the importance of gathering clients’ details beforehand to foster meaningful and effective engagements.
The facilitator enthusiastically endorsed the Managing Director’s views on SBCC, emphasizing that empathy and dialogue play pivotal roles in successful advocacy efforts. According to the facilitator, SBCC fosters open communication on equal levels, creating a conducive environment for impactful behavioral change.
Moreover, the training participants unanimously agreed on the strategic engagement of influential advocators, community leaders, and opinion influencers as catalysts for change in sanitation marketing. Recognizing their power to mobilize communities and inspire action, these change agents can drive a wave of positive sanitation practices throughout the state.
As the training drew to a close, an essential call was made for stand-alone budgeting dedicated to sanitation marketing initiatives. By allocating specific resources, stakeholders can ensure that the sanitation transformation gains momentum and leads to long-lasting benefits.
The impactful sanitation marketing training organized by ISWSC has set the stage for a transformative journey towards improved hygiene practices and sanitation standards in Imo State. With a holistic approach which the moderator of the training canvassed for, a commitment to behavioral change, and collaborative efforts, the state is well-positioned to achieve exceptional strides in the realm of sanitation and hygiene in the water sector, ultimately creating a healthier and cleaner environment for all its citizens.
NG-SURWASH: ISWSC HOSTS SANITATION MARKETING TRAINING
In continuation of the implementation of the Performance Improvement Action Plans (PIAPs) for Q2 and the PDO of the NG-SURWASH programme in strengthening institutional capacity, Imo State Water and Sewerage Corporation (ISWSC) spearheaded a 2-day enlightening sanitation marketing training for relevant ISWSC management and key staff, ward coordinators in the urban areas, and SPIU sanitation representative. With a renewed focus on sustainability and behavioral change, the trainings are expected to set the stage for a dynamic shift in sanitation practices and attitudes.
At the heart of the first training moderated by Engr Henry Adiruo, the resource person Mr Malachi Uchegbu, a seasoned public health consultant from Better Life Community Life Initiative, emphasized that the process of behavior change should be an ongoing endeavor, requiring active engagement and dedication. A powerful message alone cannot effect behavioral change; rather, it is the consistent and long-term effort that yields sustainable results.
One of the crucial insights presented during the training was the integral role of sanitation in primary healthcare which the facilitator said that the neglect in this fundamental element results in a surge of endemic diseases seen at higher healthcare levels. This connection was further emphasized by outlining ten major components of primary healthcare, each closely interwoven with proper sanitation practices.
The topic of recycling excreta emerged as a fascinating subject, with recommendations to ISWSC to adopt excreta management recycling and even consider the sale of the recycled product as a means of generating revenue, following successful examples from certain regions in Ghana. Drawing inspiration from Ghana’s remarkable sanitation success as one of the best places in sanitation after Singapore, the resource person also drew from extra-biblical evidence to reinforce the principle that nothing is wasted in creation. This powerful reminder urged participants to embrace a sustainable and conscientious approach to sanitation in modern civilization.
While highlighting the key to effective sanitation marketing, the resource person stressed the importance of understanding target clients and their specific needs. Armed with this knowledge, sanitation marketers can craft communication messages that genuinely resonate with the clients and lead to positive changes in their behaviors.
The dynamic Managing Director/CEO of ISWSC echoed the significance of Social and Behavioral Change Campaign (SBCC) in the sanitation marketing realm. “As far as sanitation and hygiene are concerned, human activities have a profound impact on humanity. What you give is what you get,” the Managing Director articulated. He also emphasized the value of fostering friendly discussions with clients, stressing the importance of gathering clients’ details beforehand to foster meaningful and effective engagements.
The facilitator enthusiastically endorsed the Managing Director’s views on SBCC, emphasizing that empathy and dialogue play pivotal roles in successful advocacy efforts. According to the facilitator, SBCC fosters open communication on equal levels, creating a conducive environment for impactful behavioral change.
Moreover, the training participants unanimously agreed on the strategic engagement of influential advocators, community leaders, and opinion influencers as catalysts for change in sanitation marketing. Recognizing their power to mobilize communities and inspire action, these change agents can drive a wave of positive sanitation practices throughout the state.
As the training drew to a close, an essential call was made for stand-alone budgeting dedicated to sanitation marketing initiatives. By allocating specific resources, stakeholders can ensure that the sanitation transformation gains momentum and leads to long-lasting benefits.
The impactful sanitation marketing training organized by ISWSC has set the stage for a transformative journey towards improved hygiene practices and sanitation standards in Imo State. With a holistic approach which the moderator of the training canvassed for, a commitment to behavioral change, and collaborative efforts, the state is well-positioned to achieve exceptional strides in the realm of sanitation and hygiene in the water sector, ultimately creating a healthier and cleaner environment for all its citizens.
Christopher Ononukwe
Communications Desk Officer