Abstract:
This study is an assessment of handwashing as a tool for controlling infection and diseases in primary schools in Juba, South Sudan. It was guided by the three objectives: to assess presence and practice of handwashing in primary schools in Juba, South Sudan, to find out the existence and quality of sanitary facilities in primary schools in Juba, South Sudan and to highlight challenges facing handwashing in primary schools in Juba South Sudan.
The study targeted four primary schools namely Libya, Malakia, Juba One Girls and New Apostolic, in the three Payams (Districts) of Juba city council which include Juba, Munuki and Kator. To address the objectives of this study, descriptive research survey research design was used to investigate the parameters under study. A total of 325 pupils from the four primary schools was targeted. The pupils were interviewed using standardized structured questionnaire. Other tools including observational checklist, interview guide and selected photography were also used to compliment the questionnaires.
The research found that, all the four primary schools investigated in Juba, (100.0%) had handwashing facilities but water was noticeably unavailable in 23.5% of the schools with frequent shortages. Some 52.7% of the observations revealed presence of soap in form of bar soap (88.4%) and liquid soap (11.6%).
According to observation in this study, all the primary schools studied in Juba had toilet facilities 75.0% of which were VIP latrines, and 25.0% were flush toilets. The toilets whose hygienic conditions were supervised by the head teachers were cleaner (60.0%), as compared to only 15.7% clean toilets supervised by teachers. A total of 46.1% were dirty.
Although water was reported to be available in most of the schools studied, (88.9%), it was not regularly used (44.3%) in some schools. More than half (50.5%) of the respondents reported that they neither had water regularly available, nor used water for washing hands.
The researcher recommended that among others: The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in South Sudan should be strict on implementing its national policies regarding hygiene and sanitation in schools to the extent of suspending schools that do not meet the national standards stipulated in the policies. The primary school administrators in Juba city council should ensure constant availability and supply of water and soap for handwashing in the schools.
