A Bauchi-based Civil Society Organization, the Alliance for Child Care, Health, and Women Empowerment Initiative (ACCHAWEI), says it has targeted 118 households to enhance their Hygiene practices, safe excreta disposal, and water management in two communities.
The project was funded by the Development Exchange Centre –Small Scale Project Fund (DEC-SSPF) and was implemented in the Galambi and Jarmai communities of Birshi ward
Juliana Enoch, WASH Programme Officer of ACCHAWEI, said this on Monday during the close-out of the six-month project at Birshi community in Bauchi Local Government Area of the state.
She highlighted that the project improved hygiene practices since its inception in the benefiting communities.
“Based on a baseline survey, only seven out of the 70 households used drop-Hole covers in their pit toilets. However, by the end of the project, 67 households had adopted the practice. Households Washing Hands with Soap under Running Water (at critical times) were on 22 during the baseline, but now 86”
“Also, during the initial survey, households that fetch water in closed containers were 43, but now 96. Only 77 households were initially using separate cups to fetch water from storage containers and drinking, but now 115 households have adopted safer water-handling practices.”
Enoch said the project also rehabilitated hand-pumped boreholes to improve access to clean water in the Birshi community, leading to a reduction in diarrhea disease cases from 227 to 22.
The WASH officer said the project also engaged 24 Volunteer Hygiene Promoters (VHPs), who conducted house-to-house Hygiene Promotion activities in the two communities to encourage behavioral change.
“We relied on our volunteers because house-to-house mobilisation is key to achieving our objectives.”
Enoch lauded DEC-SSPF, the Bauchi Local Government WASH Unit and the Bauchi State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) for their support.
Alhaji Mohammed Lawal, a community leader, commended ACCHAWEI for the gesture and pledged to step down hygiene messages to promote good sanitation in the area.
“Hygiene education remains instrumental in preventing diseases in our communities. Scaling this project to other areas in Birshi will go a long way in sustaining positive health outcomes,” he said.
Also, Sani Adamu, one of the volunteer hygiene promoters, commended the organization for its commitment towards promoting good hygiene practices.
0 Comments