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Development of a model for visualizing fecal contamination in living spaces
in the Peri-Urban Areas of Zambia

In developing countries, particularly in Africa, many people lack access to safe water and sanitation. This inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) environment leads to severe health issues. Notably, diarrhea—a leading waterborne infectious disease—is the second leading cause of death among children under five in Sub-Saharan Africa. To improve sanitation in residential environments, it is essential to understand the diffusion, transmission, and exposure pathways of fecal matter, and for communities to take proactive action. However, fecal contamination in water and living spaces is invisible to the naked eye, making it difficult for residents to recognize contamination routes and associated health risks. Therefore, focusing on the peri-urban areas of Lusaka, Zambia, this study aims to build a methodology for managing fecal contamination through community-led WASH improvements. Specifically, we are developing a multiplex assay system to simultaneously quantify major enteric pathogens in living environments, establishing a method to estimate and visualize comprehensive diarrhea risks.