Sopo Hand-Washing Campaign

Sopo, who appears in newspapers, on radio, on billboards, and in a 13-minute animated short film, uses the slogan "Did you wash your hands?" to promote hand-washing with soap at four critical times: after using the latrine; after cleaning and changing a baby's nappy; before preparing food and eating; and before feeding a child. With regard to the film, the organisers say that their main goal was to wrap vital messages in an entertaining format. The film takes place in a peri-urban setting, and follows the adventures of Sopo and local children as Sopo raises awareness about the importance of washing hands with soap. Original music and lyrics were also composed for the film. All campaign materials were developed in English and Chichewa.

In addition to reaching out to caregivers, the campaign is also designed for children, recognising children as champions for promoting improved hygiene as SOPO ambassadors. The children spread the message by talking about SOPO to their peers at school and in their communities.

Children, Health, Sanitation

According to UNICEF, Malawians have better access to safe water and soap than most people in Africa. Three-quarters of the population has access to piped water, a public tap, a borehole, or a protected well or spring. One-third of all households have soap or washing powder or liquid. Yet diarrhoea continues to be a major cause of sickness and death among young children. On average, a Malawian child will experience six bouts of diarrhoea a year, and 20% of deaths in infants and children under the age of five are due to diarrhoea. The main causes are the use of contaminated water, as well as unhygienic practices in food preparation and excreta disposal.

The campaign was initiated in line with the UN General Assembly’s declaration of 2008 as the International Year of Sanitation, which aims to put the global community on track to achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target (#7) on sanitation through advocacy and awareness-building.