GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical companies, has granted more than two million dollars to integrate a Personal Hygiene and Sanitation Education program (PHASE) for schoolchildren into Save the Children's School Health and Nutrition programs in Bangladesh, Tajikistan, Bolivia and Nias Island in Indonesia.

Proper and frequent hand washing reduces diseases and school absenteeism.

PHASE is a simple hand washing program that helps save lives. It was initiated by GSK in 1998, after identifying personal hygiene and sanitation as a neglected health education priority. The aim of PHASE is to reduce diarrhea-related disease associated with poor hygiene, and to improve children’s overall health and wellbeing—a goal that fits perfectly with that of Save the Children's School Health and Nutrition programs. The additional resources provided through PHASE are being used to strengthen the behavior change component of School Health Nutrition programming, while allowing the program to also reach more children and more districts.

PHASE takes a holistic approach to healthcare, education, community development and water and sanitation. Education materials such as flash cards and teacher's guides have been designed using images and pictures that reflect the lives of children. Teachers and community leaders receive specialist training to deliver the program in schools. PHASE partnerships are helping to create a closer connection between schools, families and the wider community.

In October 2006, Claire Hitchcock, GSK, Director, Europe and International Community Partnerships, and Andriy Hunder, GSK, Area External Affairs and Communications Manager, Developing Markets Eurasia, traveled to Tajikistan accompanied by Natalie Roschnik and Luciana Sette of Save the Children to see first hand the initial rollout stages of PHASE. At the time of the visit, communication materials specifically created by GSK for this program had been adapted to respond to local needs and sensibilities and were being tested by various groups of school children for general appeal and comprehension levels.

A focus group in Tajikistan to gather children's thoughts on the new PHASE materials.

Among other initiatives, Save the Children staff in Tajikistan showed a great level of creativity at increasing student participation by establishing a friendly competition among schools that included dances, poems written by the children, and a Q&A activity all aimed at sharing their knowledge on health and hygiene.

In Bangladesh PHASE is helping to establish positive health behaviors among populations that have experienced devastating floods and widespread disease. In the next few months, the PHASE program will be rolled out in Bolivia and in Nias Island, Indonesia.  Save the Children has been working in Bolivia since 1986 implementing diverse community development programs in Health, Education, Food Security, Social Infrastructure and Disaster Management. With support from GSK, Save the Children will be able to build on our years of expertise to bring significant hygiene and sanitation programs to schools in both urban and rural settings.

Published 4/07