Hygiene for Health
Better sanitation in the rural commune of Doulougou
Given the success of the pilot project "Together – Clean – Healthy" in the commune of Samba, ÖJAB is supporting the implementation of a similar project in the commune of Doulougou. Similar to the pilot project, local craftspeople will be trained to build sustainable compost latrines and hand washing facilities as well as offer hygiene and health training for families in Burkina Faso with many children and families affected by poverty.
Background and needs
In Burkina Faso, 27% of the population are forced to defecate in open areas. Thereof the rural population is the most affected with 75% of all people. This practice exacerbates soil contamination and the circulation of waterborne diseases, such as diarrhoea or cholera. Women and girls are even more vulnerable. Since they often have to walk far distances to defecate, they can become victims of sexual assault and violence.
ÖJAB is committed to improve the quality of hygiene of rural populations through the construction of compost latrines and safe hand washing facilities. A visit to the commune of Doulougou revealed a significant need for action in the areas of health, hygiene and water, and ÖJAB committed to help with these problems.
Project activities
In Mooré, a local language spoken in Burkina Faso, “Yiligmde la Laafi” means “Hygiene for Health”. Referring to the project in their own language strengthens the identification with the project among beneficiaries. ÖJAB is supporting the construction of sustainable compost latrines and the installation of hand washing facilities for large families affected by poverty in Doulougou. Along with the infrastructure, the benefitting families are also offered training sessions on hygiene and health. In addition, local craftspeople will receive technical training in the construction of compost latrines in a standardized architectural style. These activities are realized and supervised by the local project partner GRAD-A.
Impact
„Hygiene for Health“ improves the health situation of the population of Doulougou. The sustainability of the project is linked to the participation of the local population, and all materials that will be used for the different constructions are provided by small local companies. This will help them to improve their income and opens new possibilities in the WASH (water sanitation, health) area for them. In addition, the transfer of skills will improve the masonry sector. This local implication constitute the fingerprint of ÖJAB projects, especially « Yiligmde la Laafi ».
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