POUZN: Abt Associates

POUZN works globally to mobilize the private sector for the prevention and treatment of diarrhea through the introduction of low-cost point-of-use (POU) water treatment products and zinc. POUZN is a five-year task order, under USAID’s Private Sector Program (PSP) indefinite quantity contract (IQC) awarded in October 2005.

Lack of access to safe drinking water is a reality for more than a billion people in the developing world and contaminated water is one of the leading causes of diarrhea among children. Point-of use water disinfection with a Safe Water System (SWS) that includes chlorine solution, safe storage and behavior change communication, is a proven strategy for reducing diarrheal disease. SWS was developed by the CDC and PAHO and field trials show a 44-85% reduction in diarrheal episodes. Point-of-use water treatment has been implemented by PSI in 13 countries and has been found to be affordable, practical and an immediate solution to lack of clean drinking water. When used correctly, a bottle of dilute sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach) disinfects water at point-of-use by inactivating microbial pathogens that cause diarrhea. A bottle of SWS typically provides safe drinking water to a family of six for as little as one U.S. cent or less per day.

Zinc is a new and cost effective approach for the prevention and treatment of childhood diarrhea. Recently completed effectiveness studies have shown that zinc supplements, taken daily for 10-14 days during a bout of diarrhea, reduces it severity and duration. In addition, zinc supplements have been shown to have a preventative and long-lasting impact, reducing the number of episodes of diarrhea for an additional 2-3 months. For this reason, WHO and UNICEF have recently recommended that children be given zinc supplements, together with ORS/ORT, for the treatment of acute diarrhea.

Our goal is to significantly increase the use of point-of-use water treatment and zinc while creating vibrant commercial markets that will allow for program sustainability. This will be achieved by:

• Introducing and creating sustainable commercial markets for POU and zinc products through partnerships with commercial manufacturers and distributors, with accompanying demand creation to build the total market.
• Leveraging our proven track record in registering new products, working with public sector, commercial and NGO counterparts; addressing regulatory issues; establishing national standards for quality assurance; and working in partnership with professional medical associations.
• Ensuring correct and consistent product use through research driven consumer and provider focused behavior change communications.
• Ensuring products are accessible and affordable to the poor through effective negotiations with commercial partners, and targeted product subsidies.
• Building on and strengthening existing in-country programs that distribute and sell other public health products, such as Oral Rehydration Salts/Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORS/ORT), insecticide-treated nets, and other health products to introduce POU water treatment or zinc products.
• Using social marketing programs to catalyze the commercial market, demonstrating the viability of these products to commercial firms.
• Supporting the growth of local commercial manufacturers by assisting them to develop high quality products and launch their own POU water treatment or zinc brands

Abt Associates, together with Population Services International, bring extensive experience in implementing social marketing programs and commercial partnerships that result in sustainable national scale programs. PSI has been the leader in the area of point-of-use water treatment through the private sector, launching and supporting the delivery of SWS in the private sector in 13 countries. Together PSI and Abt have in country expertise in over 60 countries that will allow for the rapid and cost effective implementation of POUZN funds.

Point-of-Use (POU) Programs: Angola, Benin, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Malawi, Kenya, and Rwanda

Zinc Treatment Programs: Benin, Cambodia, Madagascar, Nepal

Visit the Where We Work page for more about POU and Zinc Treatment program activities in each country.

Ms. Susan Mitchell
Director, POUZN / Abt Associates
Tel: 301.718.3124
E-mail: Susan_Mitchell@abtassoc.com

Ms. Vicki Macdonald
Program Manager, POUZN / Abt Associates
Tel: 301.347.5670
E-mail: vicki_macdonald@abtassoc.com

Mr. John Borrazzo
CTO, POUZN / USAID/GH/HIDN/ID
Tel: 202.712.4816
E-mail: jborrazzo@usaid.gov

View POUZN-contributed Resources.