WHY SANITATION?
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Today, only 30% of people in developing regions of Sub-Saharan Africa have access to proper sanitation facilities. An estimated 800 children die every day from diarrhea spread through poor sanitation and hygiene. A place that is affected by poor sanitation is Naluja in Zambia.
According to this map released by WHO, Zambia is still insufficient in terms of sanitation and there is need to quadraple efforts in order to reach the MDG target. In a 2012 survey by ESP, it was found that each person practicing open defecation in Zambia spends almost 2.5 days a year finding a private location to defecate leading to large economic losses. This cost falls disproportionately on women as caregivers who may spend additional time accompanying young children or sick or elderly relatives. This cost is likely to be an underestimation as those without toilets, particularly women, will be obliged to find a private location for urination as well. Most of the time, these people cannot find a water source nearby which results in germs and diseases being transferred through contact. |
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A HOPE FOR CHANGE
ECONOMY
Since so many precious work hours are spent in looking for
a private area and water supply, an improved sanitation system will
allow more work time and more income for the family
a private area and water supply, an improved sanitation system will
allow more work time and more income for the family
EDUCATION An improvement in sanitation
means that less children fall ill and less time spent outside school |
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WATER AND HEALTHSince water and sanitation are
interlinked, improving both will lead to maximum success |
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
Women are given the responsibility for the health of the elders in the family
and also finding sanitary areas for their children. This is a huge burden along
with their own care during pregnancy. The new system will reduce this
burden and allow them to pursue other activities.
and also finding sanitary areas for their children. This is a huge burden along
with their own care during pregnancy. The new system will reduce this
burden and allow them to pursue other activities.
OUR APPROACH TO SANITATION
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By promoting healthy hygiene and sanitation practices, EWB-BU hopes to prevent the recontamination of potable water and decrease risk of disease related to fecal bacteria. From an engineering standpoint, this will be accomplished through more efficient latrine design, tippy-tap hand washing stations, and educational workshops.
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The Boston University Student Chapter of EWB is an officially recognized chapter of Engineers Without Borders-USA
and an officially recognized student group under the Boston University Student Activities Office.
© 2015 EWB-BU | Disclaimer
and an officially recognized student group under the Boston University Student Activities Office.
© 2015 EWB-BU | Disclaimer
