Objective:

To co-create a culturally rooted, climate-aware WASH and health education campaign in tribal schools through a 'One Health' lens, integrating indigenous knowledge with biomedical awareness to address hygiene, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and zoonotic disease risks amongst the PVTGs (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) of West Bengal.

Overview:

Launched in 2024 in two tribal districts—Purulia and Darjeeling—the One Health WASH Campaign is an integrative initiative designed to improve hygiene practices, reduce health risks from poor sanitation and address the spread of AMR through a community-led, student-driven approach. Targeting upper primary school students (Grades 6–8), this campaign is grounded in the understanding that tribal communities hold rich traditional knowledge on interspecies and environmental health, which when harmonized with modern public health, can lead to more sustainable outcomes.

The campaign uses the school as an anchor to reach children, parents and the wider community, enhancing WASH practices in both human and animal health contexts. Emphasis is placed on behavioral change through edutainment, peer-led interventions and cross-generational learning. The participatory design process ensures tribal voices shape the narrative and delivery.

Key Components:

1. WASH Infrastructure & Hygiene Promotion- Provision and reinforcement of safe drinking water access and handwashing stations in schools.
2. AMR & Zoonotic Risk Education- Culturally adapted training on antimicrobial resistance, livestock hygiene and cross-species disease transmission with actionable community practices.
3. Peer Educator & Club Formation- Training student leaders as ‘One Health Champions’ through the creation of One Health Clubs that sustain behavior change and local leadership.
4. Parental & Teacher Engagement- Conducting PTA workshops, demonstrations and home-based hygiene improvement activities, including safe livestock rearing and waste management.
5. Edutainment & Community Outreach- Theater, quizzes, posters, creative writing, educational tours (e.g., to bio-secured farms), and local sanitation drives to extend learning beyond schools.
6. Baseline Mapping & Monitoring- Geographic and stakeholder mapping of existing WASH and health infrastructure, followed by impact tracking and iterative learning.

Expected Outcomes:

• 2,000+ direct beneficiaries including students, teachers and parents engaged in One Health WASH practices.
• 8 functional One Health Clubs formed, led by trained student ambassadors.
• 80% improvement in student hygiene habits.
• 150+ teachers and PTA members trained on WASH-Health-Environment linkages.
• 40 community events held promoting zoonotic disease awareness and AMR prevention.
• Increased adoption of safe livestock handling practices in 60% of participating households.