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Can you imagine having to
walk 10, 12, 15 miles to find some water fit to drink? Or, as a woman,
have to wait until after dark to go into the woods to squat in privacy?
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Can you imagine being in
a labour ward with poorly sterilised instruments and surgical gloves
washed out and recycled over and over?
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At the start of the
project the demographic profile for Ramagar-Tulsipur District 4 Dang and
Meghauli local community were one of 25% who did not have access to clean
water and part of the 60% who had no access to a toilet. Defecation took
place near the house, the riverbed or anywhere. 38% of patients who
present themselves at the clinic and hospital have illnesses due to the
lack of water and sanitation. The pollution of the ground and water table,
particularly in the monsoon season was accelerating rapidly.
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Working in partnership
with two NGO partners, NEWAH (Nepal Water for Health) and Meghauli
Friendship Clinic we have been able to improve conditions for the local
hospital in Meghauli providing newer sterilising equipment bringing it
closer to the 20th Century. The autoclaves, donated by the
local NHS Trust would have lain unused in a cupboard. Thanks to the
Ghurkhas they are a valuable addition to the local hospital.
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Our contact with Kumar
Silwal (NEWAH) has utilised matched funding for the 50% of the costs
provided by the Plymouth Club. The project promotes ownership and
accountability. Each family who receives a latrine has to raise 500 rupees
(approx. £5, about 6 % of the average annual income £120.) Our project
provides a health worker to train the community in the ongoing maintenance
of the toilets. Importantly at least 3 women have been appointed to the
local management committee which comprises 9-13 members from all castes,
ethnic and economic groups.
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The latest statistics in
March this year are proof that this project is changing lives. The Clinic
has seen a dramatic reduction of water borne diseases of between 70% -80%.
Rajenda Kumal, one of the villagers, has expressed appreciation for the
health education from which the community have learned not only the
importance of clean water supply and toilets, but also a clean home.
Rajendra’s wife is also pleased that they are getting health education
because diarrhoea and other diseases have decreased in her children as
well as in her neighbours.
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Kumar Silwal reports that
everyone uses the latrines and the health status has improved.
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Working in partnership is
an effective way of meeting local needs. The community has developed a
human resource with skilled manpower such as a sanitation mason and system
caretaker.
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The local link has
stimulated further awareness, advocacy and action in this remote South
West region of Nepal.
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Mary McNaughton - SW&CI Regional Conference 23rd June 2007
