Participatory action research approach to address the poor water, sanitation and hygiene conditions in an informal urban settlement in Windhoek, Namibia

Abstract

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) are fundamental to health and are regarded as a fundamental human right for survival, dignity, productivity, reproductive health and happiness. In low socio-economic communities and settings, especially those who are residing in informal urban settlements, where appropriate WASH interventions are not in place, the risks of mortality and morbidity from especially infectious disease are high. A participatory action research (PAR) study was conducted to address the poor WASH conditions in the Havana informal urban settlement in Windhoek, Namibia. The study comprises of four phases.