ADRA partners with UNICEF to address water and hygiene issue in the Grand South

For decades, access to safe water and good hygiene practices has been a major challenge for southern Madagascar, a region affected by drought. Despite various endeavors to set up water infrastructure in this region, several communities still suffer from water shortage.

Since July 2022, ADRA has implemented a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) emergency project in partnership with UNICEF in the Androy, Anosy and Atsimo Andrefana regions, with the aim to address the daily emergency water needs of the vulnerable population and to improve their hygiene conditions. The project targeted 10,000 families in Amboasary, Ambovombe, Tsihombe, and Ampanihy districts. 

Each of the targeted families received a daily supply of safe water through water trucking interventions. « During dry seasons, we have to buy one jerrycan of water around 2 000 to 3 000 ariary. It is very expensive for us. Since the start of this project, I have received 40 liters of water each day. Now, I have water to cook my family’s food and for the bath of my children », said Sija Harenasoa, a beneficiary from the Amboasary district.  

Sija Harenasoa - Beneficiary ot the WASH project from the Amboasary district.

In addition to water supply, the families also received water and hygiene items including water containers, soaps, and water purification solution, for them to adopt better hygiene practices. To reinforce the adoption of hygiene practices, the project conducted raising awareness sessions on good hygiene behaviors such as handwashing with safe water and soap.

« We use the kits to keep the water clean, so that we have safe water for ourselves to protect us from many diseases. Our health has improved a lot. Before, my children were often sick and me too. Since the project’s arrival, we have been healthy because we have a better hygiene », Sija Harenasoa said.

This project also seeks to benefit the overall communities of the four targeted districts through the renovation or building of sanitation infrastructure at the level of health facilities.