Access to safe Water, Sanitation, And Hygiene (WASH) is a fundamental pillar of public health, dignity, and sustainable development - particularly in low- and middle-income countries. While Eswatini has made considerable progress in expanding WASH infrastructure, persistent challenges such as faecal-oral disease transmission, inadequate sanitation facilities, and limited awareness of hygiene practices continue to pose significant risks, especially in rural areas. Addressing these issues requires more than infrastructure; it demands a deep understanding of the social and behavioural drivers that influence WASH practices. As such, integrating behavioural science into public health strategies has become an urgent and essential priority.

In response to these challenges, Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC), with support from the World Bank, launched an initiative to implement Social and Behaviour Change Communication by designing a relevant SBCC Strategy (SBCCS) to strengthen WASH-related behaviours and systems across the country. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and EWSC, Tarutium’s Behaviour Insights & Communications Lab (BICL), leveraging its established expertise across Climate Resilience, Public Health, WASH, etc., was engaged to lead this initiative. The project focused on three priority Tinkhundlas - Zombodze, Hosea, and Shiselweni I - and was structured into 2 key phases

Phase I - Study and Design - centered on generating actionable, evidence-based insights towards design and development of a locally relevant SBCC Strategy. This process involved key steps such as comprehensive Situation Analysis and Formative research. Tarutium also conducted stakeholder mapping, evaluated the effectiveness and acceptability of existing sanitation technologies, and reviewed behavioural research contextualized to Eswatini. Moreover, the team developed technology specifications for domestic toilets, assessed institutional capacity - particularly in Shiselweni - and identified key knowledge gaps to be addressed through further research.

Phase 2 – Implementation – focused on implementing the SBCC strategy in close coordination with the MoH and EWSC. Tarutium led capacity-building with various key stakeholders, including local communities, to equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to carry out effective, evidence-based communication interventions. The project also developed and is implementing comprehensive communications outreach through online, offline, visual media, and radio media to deliver targeted messages and ensure broad community engagement. Complementing the communication strategy, the project also addressed critical WASH infrastructure needs by supporting the procurement and construction of 10,000 sanitation and hygiene units in the most vulnerable rural households across the three Tinkhundla. In addition to providing technical support for construction, Tarutium continued working with local communities to build capacity to operate and maintain these facilities, ensuring long-term sustainability and ownership.
By connecting behavioural insights with communication, infrastructure, and local capacity, the initiative seeks to create the conditions for sustained improvements in WASH practices and outcomes, particularly among vulnerable rural communities.