text: SWAP has since 2007 established a research department with technical support from CDC Atlanta undertaking various effectiveness studies, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate the health and economic impact of some of SWAP’s interventions and its distribution model. The research findings keep SWAP informed and its findings are also shared with the community leaders, international conferences, journals and publications. These findings have been instrumental in informing policies and implementation models worldwide.
  SWAP Model Village
  SWAP acquired land at Ahero, about 100 meters from the Nyando River to put up a model village which is intended to showcase the interventions that SWAP deals with in the community. These include; Safe Water system products, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), improved traditional kitchen and the Pampers Baby and Family Care center.
  The center has a community banda which provides space for community meetings, trainings and health education, clean toilet with a handwashing facility for demonstration. Solar has been installed to provide for electricity and outside there is a chlorine dispenser to chlorinate the water
  Training Program
  Leaders Orientation workshops This is a one day meeting with opinion leaders in a District and its purpose is to orient leaders and introduce them to the SWAP’s model, its staff, the basket of goods, share research findings and get the leaders involvement and support to mobilize the communities to adopt healthier behaviors. Targeted leaders include the Provincial Administration, Churches, Local Authorities and Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation.
  Outreach and Mobilization
  SWAP creates awareness to HIV support groups and builds their capacity.
  Groups targeted are widows, people living with HIV, home based care groups, youth groups, orphan support groups and other self help groups.
  Cholera Response Project
  The purpose of this project is to provide a rapid integrated response to cholera outbreaks to reduce morbidity and mortality, and prevent the spread of illness. The project was initiated in 2006 with funding from Global Disease Detection and the Integrated Diseases Surveillance and Response programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To implement this project, SWAP partners with the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Population Services International (PSI), and the Red Cross. Response activities have two principal components: Training of personnel from the Ministry of Health, Red Cross, local government personnel, NGO personnel, schoolteachers, and others.Distribution of water treatment and hygiene products.
  Product Promotion
  SWAP sells both wholesale and retail from the office. SWAP is also selling to partner organizations. The following are some of the products in SWAP’s Basket.
  • WaterGuard
  • PuR
  • Aquatabs
  Scholarship Program
  SWAP has been supporting orphans and vulnerable children with psychosocial support including counseling and referrals, school fees and requirements. SWAP further offers support to approximately 100 desperate orphans and vulnerable children per year by providing counseling, referral and clearance of areas of fees. SWAP encourages cost sharing with the caretakers.
  Emergency Response to outbreaks and disasters
  The above response started during the post election violence whereby SWAP was supporting internally displaced and returnees with health products, material support and counseling. The main aim was to prevent diarrhea, malaria and other infections.
  Exhibitions and Public Functions
  SWAP participates in many occasions and has exhibitions and promotion of health products during Global Hand Washing Day and World AIDS Marathon., international water day, NGO week etc.
  SWAP has for the sixth year organized the World AIDS Marathon bringing together runners from all walks of life. The World AIDS Marathon is held on the 1st of December. Activities include full and half marathon, relays, walk for vulnerable children, Voluntary and Counseling services, Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment, Condom Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Safe Water Demonstrations.