The trial
What’s being investigated?
The MapSan trial was the first rigorous study of its kind, a non-randomised controlled study designed to evaluate the health impacts of WSUP’s innovative non-sewered, high-quality sanitation intervention in Maputo.
The study set out to answer some critical questions:
- How does WSUP’s sanitation intervention affect the prevalence of enteric infections in young children?
- What are the long-term health impacts on children born after the intervention?
- Does improved sanitation impact child growth (height, weight, and more)?
- Do sanitation-related health risks differ by population density in urban areas?
The results were striking. The trial showed a statistically significant improvement in health of children living in Maputo’s intervention areas – measured by height, weight, stunting, and wasting.
Before diving into the details, let’s take a closer look at what the WSUP intervention involved.
This communal sanitation block in an area of Maputo called Chamanculu C, features an elevated water tank connected to the municipal water connection network and a septic tank on the left.
Built with local materials, these trial toilets are simple, secure, and rely on proper maintenance by users.
This communal sanitation block in Chamanculu C features a ramp for accessibility, solar panels for lighting, and communal showers (left hand side).
Its transformative impact relies on the community’s commitment to maintenance.
Watch the video below to learn about the Maputo Non-Randomised Sanitation Trial (MapSan) and WSUP’s shared sanitation work.