Effects of a community-driven water, sanitation, and hygiene intervention on diarrhea, child growth, and local institutions: A cluster-randomized controlled trial in rural Democratic Republic of Congo.

Background: Diarrhea and growth faltering in early childhood reduce survival and impair neurodevelopment. We assessed whether a national program combining (i) funds for latrine and water upgrades; (ii) institutional strengthening; and (iii) behavior change campaigns reduced diarrhea and stunting, and strengthened local institutions.

Methods And Findings: We collaborated with program implementers to conduct a cluster-randomized controlled trial in four provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Effects of a community-driven water, sanitation, and hygiene programme on COVID-19 symptoms, vaccine acceptance and non-COVID illnesses: A cluster-randomised controlled trial in rural Democratic Republic of Congo.

Objective: The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) responded to COVID-19 with policy measures, such as business and school closures and distribution of vaccines, which rely on citizen compliance. In other settings, prior experience with effective government programmes has increased compliance with public health measures. We study the effect of a national water, sanitation, and hygiene programme on compliance with COVID-19 policies.