Although exact figures on the use of WhatsApp in Sudan are unavailable, the app’s popularity has soared. It is now the communications tool of choice for many people in the country, especially those living and working in remote locations with intermittent internet access.
“The idea came from the participants themselves,” says RedR’s WASH Coordinator Abdel Rahim Gamaleldin. “They decided to create a WhatsApp group to exchange their ideas and experiences, with a specific focus on on-the-ground activities related to environmental health, such as water quality surveillance, chlorination, vector control, sanitation campaigns and hygiene promotion sessions. They have also been sharing the challenges they face, and asking questions to the other group members and the RedR trainers. If there are any issues raised by a member of the group, he or she gets a quick response from other members. Also, if there is a critical question, RedR trainers always reply.”