Building Wells and Latrines to Combat Disease

The question of latrines has always been a critical issue in Haiti, especially in rural areas. With the advent of cholera, hygiene promoters have found themselves confronted with dilemmas regarding the requests of the population in the feedback training sessions on cholera prevention. It is in this context that HEI/SBH, in collaboration with UNICEF, decided to integrate a WASH project for pregnant women and children under five years. Main activities of this project are: education on principles of hygiene; hand washing and the use of latrines; distribution of products for the disinfection of water; well drilling; and the construction of latrines.

Planning of latrine construction began in May of 2012, and to date, SBH has built 90 latrines. The organization is currently finalizing 129 family latrines and eight latrines to be placed in schools. The goal is to complete 500 latrines and 15 wells by January of 2013.

“Compared to the number of families who do not have access to a latrine, is quantity is very limited,” said Dr. Miliane Clermont, Deputy Director of Haiti Operations. “Nevertheless, we hope to continue to build more during other projects that we plan to execute. At the end of the day, we plan to reduce the incidence of diseases in our service area by increasing access to safe drinking water and improved hygienic conditions.”