Summary
WaterAid Ghana's aim for this project is to spread equity and inclusion by addressing the water, sanitation, and hygiene needs of these neglected peoples in the rural and peripheral communities of Akuapem North and South, and Yilo Krobo.
Background
WaterAid has worked in Ghana since 1985 and during this time has developed strong links with both policymakers and eight local partner non governmental organizations (NGOs). These partners carry out the day to day management of water, sanitation and hygiene education projects in six out of ten of the country’s regions. This work is vital as inadequate water supply and sanitation services contribute to over 70% of disease and death in Ghana, costing the country significantly in terms of healthcare and productivity.
In the eastern region of Ghana, Akuapem North and South and Yilo Krobo, districts are inhabited mostly by immigrant peasant farmers, generally suffering from poor road networks. This transportation problem is particularly acute in the rural and peripheral communities. As a result, development agencies have abandoned work in these three project districts leading to increased rates of poverty as deprived communities are isolated from opportunities to improve their conditions. Deplorable water and sanitation conditions exacerbate their poverty. People mainly rely on streams, rivers and other unsafe sources of water. This situation is compounded by open defecation and poor hygiene practices. These conditions are reflected in the growing number of cases of bilharzias, cholera, intestinal infections, and guinea worm. WaterAid Ghana expanded its rural work in 2005/2006 to address these concerns and reduce the vast coverage inequities between the urban and rural populations.
Improvements in sanitation facilities are paramount to WaterAid’s holistic approach of integrating water, sanitation, and hygiene education services. While safe water alone positively impacts the lives of the poor, achieving maximum health benefits requires all three of these crucial interventions.
Location
, Eastern Region, GhanaAttachments
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