"WATER IS LIFE...AND CLEAN WATER IS HEALTH" -Audrey Hepburn
We sometimes take for granted the cleanliness of our water in North America. However, in other countries, like Malawi, clean water is a luxury not taken for granted as too many people in the population have seen or dealt with the devastating effects of lack of access to clean water. To further complicate the issue, poverty and lack of education often results in people not knowing how to implement activities that will reduce the chance of disease. The following is a report on how FVM is aiding in initiatives to fight help fight against one of these diseases.
Cholera is an infectious disease that causes severe watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and even death if untreated. The disease is rare in industrialized nations, but it occurs frequently in many countries in parts of Africa, especially in areas with poor or inadequate water treatment, sanitation and hygiene practices. Malawi is among the thirty countries in the world that are hit by Cholera. Just last year, a Cholera outbreak hit the country and resulted in at least 30 deaths. Rural areas are the most hit due to poverty and lack of knowledge on basic water, sanitation and hygiene practices. Before FVM started working in the Taulo area of Zomba, Malawi, communities had dirty water from unprotected open wells. In 2011, FVM drilled boreholes in the area which was a great improvement of the quality of water available.
However, due to heavy rainfalls over the last few years, many households have been displaced or their restrooms (toilets) demolished. These rural areas do not have piped or running water so they use pit latrines that are not hygienically sound.
However, due to heavy rainfalls over the last few years, many households have been displaced or their restrooms (toilets) demolished. These rural areas do not have piped or running water so they use pit latrines that are not hygienically sound.
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FVM, in partnership with Centre for Development Communications (CDC), conducted Cholera prevention awareness activities that included discussions, a film show and the handing out of leaflets that describe Cholera. More than 80 people (of which about 70% were women) were reached with the message. CDC donated a plastic pail and a box of soap so that they can be used at Taulo Child Care Centre in Cholera prevention (Pictured above-left) . It is also intended to help children at the centre learn hygiene practices at their early ages. There is need of more awareness campaigns in the area.
A question time was held at the end of the seminar and gave people (especially woman) a chance to be more informed about Cholera.
Thank you again for your ongoing interest and support of FVM in Malawi. You can check out more detailed reports on our website www.fvm.on.ca
In His Service,
Newton Sunday Sindo
In His Service,
Newton Sunday Sindo
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