How are hygiene programmes designed in crises? Qualitative interviews with humanitarians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Iraq.

Background: Hygiene behaviour change programmes are complex to design. These challenges are heightened during crises when humanitarian responders are under pressure to implement programmes rapidly despite having limited information about the local situation, behaviours and opinions-all of which may also be rapidly evolving.

Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with 36 humanitarian staff involved in hygiene programme design in two crisis-affected settings-one a conflict affected setting (Iraq) and the other amid a cholera outbreak (Democratic Republic of the Congo).

How does handwashing behaviour change in response to a cholera outbreak? A qualitative case study in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Background: Handwashing with soap has the potential to curb cholera transmission. This research explores how populations experienced and responded to the 2017 cholera outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and how this affected their handwashing behaviour.

Methods: Cholera cases were identified through local cholera treatment centre records.