Project Location and Institution: Diamaguene Sicap Mbao, Senegal — Pan African Consortium of Experts (PACE) in collaboration with Emory University, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, and the PROMISE Consortium.

Access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in healthcare facilities is essential for infection prevention, staff productivity, and patient safety. However, a lack of data, infrastructure, and resources hinders progress in low-resource countries like Senegal. This project aims to address these challenges by implementing the WASH FIT tool to assess and improve WASH services in two pilot health centers (Taïf and Fass Mbao II, among others) in the commune of Diamaguene (SICAP MBAO).

1. Generate baseline data on the status of WASH services in targeted healthcare facilities to inform evidence-based decision-making.
2. Establish a monitoring committee to oversee WASH improvements and ensure their sustainability.
3. Develop a plan for the progressive improvement of WASH infrastructure and practices, aligned with municipal priorities.

• Diagnostic Phase: Use the WASH FIT tool to assess access to water, sanitation, waste management, and hygiene practices.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with local health workers, municipal authorities, and communities to prioritize interventions.
• Data-Driven Advocacy: Translate findings into concrete recommendations for policymakers and donors.

1. Initial Assessment: Data collection, facility audits, and community consultations.
2. Intervention Design: Co-develop improvement plans with stakeholders.
3. Monitoring and Scale-up: Evaluate progress and prepare for national replication.

We are recruiting two master’s students from universities around the world to support the initial assessment and intervention design phases, as well as policy implementation. The students will gain practical experience in global health research, community engagement, and public health advocacy.

• Conduct field surveys and facility audits using the WASH FIT tool. Participate in data analysis and visualization for baseline reports.
• Collaborate with health workers and local communities to identify barriers and solutions.
• Assist in drafting policy briefs and improvement plans. Collaborate with Bambey University, the only university in Senegal and the sub-region to offer a bachelor’s or master’s degree in community health. The UFR is led by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, sociologists, communications specialists, pharmacists, and computer scientists. This program forms the foundation of the Department of Health and Sustainable Development. PACE, in partnership with the University, will offer students a unique opportunity to compare, contrast, and innovate approaches to solving complex public health problems, with an emphasis on community health initiatives, while fully leveraging limited community resources, with the cooperation of local residents, municipalities, and government agencies.

• Fluency in French (oral and written) and familiarity with the Senegalese context.
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection (e.g., surveys, interviews).
• Interest in WASH, infection prevention, or health systems strengthening.

• Send your CV, cover letter, and transcript to: o PACE: info_thinktank@pace-experts.org o Copy: PROMISE Consortium
• Coordinators: Christine Moe (Clmoe@emory.edu) and Habib Yakubu (habib.yakubu@emory.edu)
• Application Deadline: March 5, 2025

• Duration: 3 to 6 months (flexible depending on academic requirements).
• Funding: This project is supported by the Gates Foundation and the Reckitt Global Hygiene Institute through the PROMISE consortium.
• International university students will self-fund their travel and accommodation expenses in Senegal.
• Outcomes: Interns will co-author reports and contribute to improving WASH systems in Senegal.