Background
Schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) remain major public health concerns in Kenya, alongside 15 other endemic neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Although youth constitute over 70% of Kenya's population, their potential as agents of change in health interventions, particularly in NTD communication, remains underutilized.
Intervention
To address this gap, the Kenya NTD Program, county governments, and the African Institute for Health and Development (AIHD) engaged 160 youths (56% female, 44% male) from 20 SCH/STH implementation units in western Kenya. These youths were trained on SCH/STH symptoms, causes, prevention, and control, and supported through regular review meetings. They disseminate customized health messages using songs, skits, dramas, and social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram, as well as during community gatherings, funerals, religious meetings, and peer interactions.
Outcomes
Annual assessments have shown improved knowledge and preventive practices, with community awareness on STH and SCH rising from 92.1% to 93% and 48.5% to 58.7%, respectively, between 2024 and 2025. Toilet use increased from 97.3% to 98%, and household access to handwashing facilities from 45.1% to 55.1%. The youth have sensitized over 198,922 people, facilitated the construction of 5,506 toilets, and installation of 15,734 handwashing stations.
Implications
The youth have demonstrated significant potential in influencing lasting behaviour change in their communities. Their involvement not only drives sustainable disease prevention but also builds a knowledgeable generation equipped to champion future public health initiatives.
Background Schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) remain major public health concerns in Kenya, alongside 15 other endemic neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Although youth constitute over 70% of Kenya's population, their potential as agents of change in health interventions, particularly in NTD communication, remains underutilized.
Intervention To address this gap, the Kenya NTD Program, county governments, and the African Institute for Health and Development (AIHD) engaged 160 youths (56% female, 44% male) from 20 SCH/STH implementation units in western Kenya. These youths were trained on SCH/STH symptoms, causes, prevention, and control, and supported through regular review meetings. They disseminate customized health messages using songs, skits, dramas, and social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram, as well as during community gatherings, funerals, religious meetings, and peer interactions.
Outcomes Annual assessments have shown improved knowledge and preventive practices, with community awareness on STH and SCH rising from 92.1% to 93% and 48.5% to 58.7%, respectively, between 2024 and 2025. Toilet use increased from 97.3% to 98%, and household access to handwashing facilities from 45.1% to 55.1%. The youth have sensitized over 198,922 people, facilitated the construction of 5,506 toilets, and installation of 15,734 handwashing stations.
Implications
The youth have demonstrated significant potential in influencing lasting behaviour change in their communities. Their involvement not only drives sustainable disease prevention but also builds a knowledgeable generation equipped to champion future public health initiatives.
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