WASH Committees, Community Artisans and the AWS team focused on transforming attitudes and behaviors through triggering, rigorous public awareness, training and regular purposive monitoring to break the rigid cultural norms, misinformation, and low health literacy that had created resistance to change. Within 12 months last year, Iriri village experienced a dramatic shift: Open defecation was eliminated, with 93.8% (75/80×100) of households constructing / improving and using latrines with recommended facilities, Handwashing with soap became routine, especially after latrine use, reported cases of diarrhoea dropped by 65%, especially among children under five, Community pride soared, with Iriri village being declared ODF and recognised as a model village by Sub-county authorities and the Health Assistant reported increased participation of communities in development initiatives, enhanced ownership and sustainability of WASH facilities by the community.

This success story shows that lasting change doesn’t come from infrastructure alone—it comes from shifting mindsets, building trust, and empowering communities to take ownership of their health.