In Niger, access to safe drinking water is limited, significantly impacting public health. Floods along the Niger River often lead to cholera outbreaks, with thousands affected annually. To combat this, USAID WA-WASH, in collaboration with ANIMAS-SUTURA, initiated programs to promote the use of Aquatabs—chlorine tablets for household water treatment in the regions of Maradi and Tillabery.
ANIMAS-SUTURA has significantly improved water, sanitation, and hygiene through a sustainable distribution network and intense community engagement. The program aims to enhance access to water treatment products, support their proper use at home, and foster community-driven behaviour change. ANIMAS-SUTURA’s approach includes a variety of communication methods, such as road shows, radio debates, and group discussions led by community volunteers. These efforts are supplemented by educational sessions that reach hundreds of thousands, promoting safe water handling and emphasising the benefits of using Aquatabs.
The program achieved remarkable results: establishing hundreds of sales outlets and markedly improving the local population’s knowledge of using tablets. Despite challenges, there was a notable decrease in diarrhoea-related diseases among children under five—a testament to the program’s effectiveness.
