Waterborne diseases account for more than 10% of Madagascar’s yearly death toll, and diarrheal illnesses are a major cause of death for children under five.
The goal was simple , but challenging to meet: decrease waterborne diseases by providing people with an understanding of safe hygiene practices, the tools to implement them, and the ability to maintain them.
Local beliefs and practices, as well as high rates of literacy, can make it difficult to teach of the importance of a latrine.
Reaching rural villages is often difficult, with poorly maintained roads and bridges. To create the components for the latrines, gravel, cement, iron bars, and ceramic units need to be transported to the village, sometimes by canoe or raft.
The solution: the Model Healthy Village
Through a partnership with Rotary International, we have funded four MHVs, and secured funding for four more. The success is the result of excellent local leaders who provide the people with critical knowledge and skills.
ONG St Gabriel provided technicians to work with the villagers to create the parts for the latrines and aid in the installation, and group of villagers were taught to do maintenance and repair work.
Madame Jeanette Nirina has led the project to work with the people of the villages, including the leaders. She serves as a teacher, technician, mentor and trainer, both to her colleagues and the people they work with.
Model Healthy Villages
Waterborne diseases account for more than 10% of Madagascar’s yearly death toll, and diarrheal illnesses are a major cause of death for children under five.
The goal was simple , but challenging to meet: decrease waterborne diseases by providing people with an understanding of safe hygiene practices, the tools to implement them, and the ability to maintain them.
Local beliefs and practices, as well as high rates of literacy, can make it difficult to teach of the importance of a latrine.
Reaching rural villages is often difficult, with poorly maintained roads and bridges. To create the components for the latrines, gravel, cement, iron bars, and ceramic units need to be transported to the village, sometimes by canoe or raft.
The solution: the Model Healthy Village
Through a partnership with Rotary International, we have funded four MHVs, and secured funding for four more. The success is the result of excellent local leaders who provide the people with critical knowledge and skills.
ONG St Gabriel provided technicians to work with the villagers to create the parts for the latrines and aid in the installation, and group of villagers were taught to do maintenance and repair work.
Madame Jeanette Nirina has led the project to work with the people of the villages, including the leaders. She serves as a teacher, technician, mentor and trainer, both to her colleagues and the people they work with.