Sanitation - the key to health
Unclean drinking water and poor sanitation are major causes of disease. Diarrhea is a common cause of illness and even death among young children in the communities we serve. The simple act of washing hands with soap and water can cut diarrheal disease by one-third! Next to providing adequate sanitation facilities, it is the KEY to preventing waterborne disease.
We know that people become infected with intestinal parasitic worms through contact with soil that has been contaminated with human faeces from an infected person, or by eating contaminated food. Intestinal worms are epidemic in the region we serve which is why we are working with the communities to improve hygienic practices and to keep their animals away from their homes. We are also insuring that all community members receive treatment for worms every 6 months.
Malaria and Dengue fever are common, life-threatening diseases in these communities which are transmitted by a parasite carried in certain types of mosquitoes. We are working with the communities to educate them about the dangers of standing water and to convince them to use "bed nets" at night to prevent mosquito bites.
Visit the links below to learn about some of our efforts in improving sanitation
Latrines
Tippy-taps
