Diarrhea is the second leading cause of death in children under 5 years of age globally, causing an estimated 800,000 deaths annually. Previous studies have identified lack of caregiver hand washing with soap and treatment of household drinking water, poor water storage practices, and lack of caregiver knowledge of diarrhea prevention as important risk factors for diarrheal disease in pediatric populations. In a previous randomized controlled trial conducted in Cochamba, Bolivia we found that a household-level hollow fiber filter when combined with behavior change communication (BCC) on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) lead to a significant reduction in pediatric diarrheal disease in children less than 5 years of age. We currently are conducting a second randomized controlled of this WASH intervention in Liberia where a 100,000 of these household-level hollow fiber filters will be delivered over the next year to evaluate reductions in pediatric diarrhea associated with the implementation of this program.

Global Health Mentor/PI: Christine Marie George, PhD