EHA

Bhagyawati of Harshpur village in rural Uttar Pradesh understood the importance of domestic hygiene and sanitation. She had often seen her grand children suffering from diarrhea and cholera and knew these were due to the unhygienic conditions prevalent in her house and surroundings. But she was helpless to do anything. She had no means or knowledge to improve her family's health condition.

When the Lalitpur HBM Community Health Project launched the Water Supply and Sanitation Program in her village, Bhagyawati displayed keen interest in learning the good hygiene practices demonstrated by the health workers. She not only learnt them but also applied it in her daily life. With the help of her village Local Governing Body (Gram panchayat), Bhagyawati built a toilet in her house. She also dug a soakpit and drainage system near her house to manage the wastewater. Bhagyawati learnt simple safe drinking water practices and started observing them. She kept the water pots covered with lids and used a ladle to take water out of the pot. As a result, Bhagyawati's family is now healthier and saves the money that they used to spend on medicines.

Through the Water Supply and Sanitation Program, the HBM Community Health Project helps the communities to improve their sanitary condition and promotes healthy practices. The project involves the Community Based Organizations like Self Help Groups, Farmers club, Adolescence groups and school children in awareness building on issues like cleanliness, safe drinking practices and personal hygiene and sanitation. Periodical cleaning campaigns are organized in the village. Walls are painted with slogans and messages on sanitation and healthy practices.

The Major component of the Water Supply and Sanitation Program is building toilets, soak pits and drainage system for each household. Kitchen garden, vegetable garden, compost pits for proper waste management and installation of Hand pumps are the other components of the project. The community shares the cost on each component which ensures active participation. The impact of the program could be seen by the reduced disease prevalence and reduced spending on health related expenses in the community.