Comparative analysis of school-based wash facilities, implications on children behaviours and health coupled with a policy framework for enhancing cognitive learning in children

Abstract

United Nations Sustainable Goals. 06 emphasis on unbiased and even access of water and basic
water sanitation and health sciences (WASH) facilities but, relentless reality is polar opposite
where a stellar portion especially children are devoid of necessity facilities, especially in
Pakistan. The most vulnerable group i-e children deprived of WASH facilities. The main
objective of the study was, a WASH survey was conducted in two school settings i.e., Mehran
and Sindh primary schools, using 100 forms comprising 21 Closed-ended questions directly
linked with WASH facilities. The response was gathered from both boys and girls to maintain
equity. Survey questionnaires are drafted as per international guild lines. The survey focused
mainly on four dimensions: Handwashing, toilet, drinking water facilities, and Hygiene
practice showing average (%) responses of boys to girls as 17.4:20.3, 29:14.6, 33.6:21, and
20.6:25.8, respectively showed the condition of mentioned dimensions improved in Mehran
School rather than that of Sindh School. Bacteria were observed in water samples under a
Fluorescence microscope that confirmed the presence of various bacteria species namely:
Shigella, Escherichia coli, Vibrio, Salmonella, Cryptosporidium, Staphylococcus spp.
Conclusively, there is a dire need to upgrade the WASH policy parallel to current scenario and
need of society to lessen the severity of the problems, especially children facing in developing
country like Pakistan.