WHAT GOES IN TO MAKING A HEALTHY HYGIENE VILLAGE?
It takes a lot of little actions to make a really big change!
Ever wonder about what goes into getting Healthy Hygiene Village Status? We understand that the topic might seem a little complex, but don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you in a friendly and easy-to-understand way.
In order for a community to achieve Healthy Hygiene Village Status, they need to go through a process called Open Defecation Free (ODF) Verification. This process is set by the Ugandan Government and serves as a standard for our programming.
One of the key components of our community WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs is the building and maintenance of our GFS (Gravity Flow System) Water Systems. To begin, the community is educated on the dangers of their current water source and the impact that dirty water can have on their health. This creates an awareness and a need for change.
During the construction of the water system, we engage hundreds of volunteers who learn about the benefits of clean water and the importance of caring for the system. We also identify and train system caretakers who become experts in operating the gravity flow system. These caretakers play a vital role in ensuring the proper functioning and maintenance of the water system.
To ensure effective governance and maintenance of the water systems, we form a Central Water Committee and individual Tap Stand Committees. These committees establish charters, by-laws, and governance structures. They also set user fees, which are collected during the construction period. The committees need to demonstrate effective governance, representation, and financial management. Once they meet these criteria, they are registered as Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), which are non-profit organizations in Uganda. The funds collected through user fees are then used to hire a system caretaker.
In addition to the construction and maintenance of the water systems, we also focus on WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and ODF (Open Defecation Free) work. The ODF Verification Process has four levels of standards that a community must pass to be fully certified. Various stakeholders, such as government representatives, health officials, and community members, are involved at each level of verification.
The parameters for the verification team include ensuring that latrine facilities are clean, safe, and in good working order. The team also checks if proper hand-washing facilities are available, if waste is properly disposed of, and if there is no evidence of open defecation in the community.
To achieve ODF status, a community must meet certain criteria. All households should be using latrines for defecation, with no human waste visible in the environment. The community should also establish by-laws or rules to prevent open defecation and have monitoring mechanisms in place to track progress towards improved latrine ownership by every household.
Total Sanitation is achieved when all households in a community have access to and use improved latrines for excreta disposal. They should also practice proper hand-washing, safe handling and storing of water and food, and safe disposal of household waste.
Total Sanitation is achieved when all households in a community have access to and use improved latrines for excreta disposal. They should also practice proper hand-washing, safe handling and storing of water and food, and safe disposal of household waste.
Improved latrines are designed to prevent contamination of water bodies, minimize contact between excreta and humans, and deter flies, insects, and animals from accessing excreta. These latrines should also be easy to clean and use.
By following these guidelines and ensuring proper water systems, sanitation practices, and hygiene behaviors, communities can work towards achieving Healthy Hygiene Village Status.
We has given you a clearer understanding of the steps involved in creating a healthy and hygienic community. Small changes in our daily habits can lead to significant improvements in overall community health. We’re so incredibly proud of the hard work that these communities dedicate themselves to in order to accomplish this standard!