MDWS requested UNICEF India Country Office (ICO) to study the status of preparation and implementation of IEC/SBCC plans of different states for the year 2018-19. UNICEF ICO agreed to support such assessment in Maharashtra. UNICEF ICO partnered with SIGMA Foundation, a ‘Not for Profit’ organization to take up the study. The approach adopted for the study involved analysis of the state and district IEC/SBCC plans for the year 2018-19 to review the plans and to assess various aspects of the processes of planning followed and implementation through field studies. Information was collected from different key officials through IDIs and various sections of the community through FGDs. 2 districts (Palghar and Sangli) were selected in consultation with the state governments and UNICEF state office keeping in mind the diversity within the state.

The report was shared with UNICEF ICO. It was found that the components which were targeted were safe disposal of human excreta with due focus on child faeces, retrofitting of toilets, menstrual hygiene management, safe handling of water for drinking, and management of solid & liquid waste. Strategy for the intervention of IEC/SBCC activities to meet the objectives in the desired time. Two studies (Training Needs Assessment and IEC Needs Assessment) were undertaken to understand the effectiveness of existing IEC interventions, gaps and training requirements. Based on these two studies, the Maharashtra Sanitation and Hygiene Advocacy and Communication Strategy (MSHACS) was developed through consultation with the key stakeholders. The implementation plan for both districts included various components to trigger mass behavioural change. The activities included Group meetings, Exposure visits, Awareness, Advocacy cum inaugural workshops, Exhibition, Portable exhibition panels, Radio Spots, TV Spots, Documentaries, Distribution of IEC materials, Newspaper Advertisements, Press-conferences, Field Visit of Press, Bulk SMS, E-Newsletter, e-mail, e-media, Print media- Leaflets, folders, Flip charts and Manuals.