The quality of water supply in Nepal is always questionable due to lack of proper treatment system, pollution at source, no use of disinfection and no proper maintenance of water distribution system. Sanitation-related diseases account for 72% of total ailments and diarrhea continues to be one of the leading causes of childhood deaths in Nepal. COVID-19 outbreak has also created unprecedented health crisis. There is also indoor air pollution due to the use of traditional firewood cookstove.

Challenge

The lack of education and awareness, lack of accessibility of disinfection technologies, and lack of basic WASH (water sanitation and hygiene) infrastructure have aggravated the situation. Also, villagers mainly use firewood cookstove (traditional), which emit smoke and are non-efficient, thereby creating indoor air pollution (which, in turn, affect the health of the entire family, especially women and children).

Long-Term Impact

Responding towards the immediate need of availability and use of safe and treated water, practice of proper hand washing technique, and WASH facilities, the project will help reduce the possible spread of water borne diseases and COVID-19 as well as change in the behavior of the local community. The use of improved cookstove will contribute towards improved hygienic behavior and better health.

References

1. http://www.ecca.org.np/
2. https://eccablogs.wordpress.com/
3. https://www.facebook.com/ECCA.Nepal
4. http://www.youtube.com/user/EccaNepal/videos

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