Impact Evaluation of Community-Based Health Programs in Rwanda

Community Health Clubs to improve local sanitation, hygiene and health conditions have been implemented in several countries in Africa and Asia with some success. The Ministry of Health in Rwanda has committed to rolling out a program designed along similar lines, the Community Based Environmental Health Promotion Program (CBEHPP), in all 15000 villages across Rwanda. The main objective of the program is to achieve \'zero open defecation\' in all villages of Rwanda, at least 80% hygienic latrine coverage and improvements in a range of health behaviors such as the use of mosquito nets, hand-washing with soap and the use of household water treatment. To evaluate the impact of the program on health, other socio-economic outcomes and community functioning, a single district has been chosen where 150 communities will be randomized to receive the intervention immediately or 18 months later. The evaluation is led by US based Innovation for Poverty Action (IPA) through researchers based at the National University of Rwanda, Georgetown University, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and New York University. The research team will work in close collaboration with the implementing team, which consists of the Ministry of Health, Rwanda and Africa AHEAD. The study will span three years, beginning in May 2013, and ending in late 2015.