The Togolese Red Cross, in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), is spearheading an initiative aimed at improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in rural areas of Togo. This project focuses on addressing the significant lack of adequate sanitation infrastructure, which has long been a challenge for communities in the prefectures of Bas Mono, Kpélé, Akebou, and Mô.
The project, which includes the construction of 57 latrines in health facilities and 100 public toilets in public spaces like markets, bus stations, and squares, is transforming the daily lives of thousands. The lack of proper sanitary facilities had previously resulted in serious health risks, particularly in places such as clinics and markets. For example, patients in clinics often had to endure unpleasant odors from nearby open defecation areas, forcing some to resort to using bushes for relief.
One community member, Toukou Afiyo, shared, “Before, we suffered a lot. Women have suffered a lot too… With the new toilets, people will be happy to use them.”
Thanks to financing from the Islamic Development Bank to the Government of Togo, the project also focuses on raising awareness about the importance of clean water consumption and adopting better hygiene practices. Volunteers from the Togolese Red Cross play a key role in educating people about health risks, promoting behavioral changes, and encouraging communities to adopt sustainable practices.
Key Impact Areas of the Project:
Infrastructure Development: The installation of new latrines and drinking water infrastructure aims to provide dignity and privacy, particularly for women and children. By focusing on health facilities and public areas, the project addresses both hygiene and access to clean water.
Community Engagement: Volunteers engage directly with communities through house-to-house visits, group discussions, and hygiene promotion sessions. These efforts are essential to ensure the long-term success of the sanitation improvements and to reduce behaviors that contribute to health risks, like open defecation.
Health Improvements: Local health centers, such as the Goudévé Health Center in Kpélé, are already seeing significant benefits from the new facilities. Health workers, patients, and especially women giving birth, now have access to more hygienic, private spaces. This is expected to greatly reduce the spread of sanitation-related diseases.
Komi Koutse, director of the Goudévé Health Center, expressed his gratitude, saying, “We are very reassured that this will reduce the risks associated with open defecation, contamination and pollution. We thank the partners, especially the Red Cross and the Islamic Development Bank, who have made this possible.”
Looking Forward:
This project highlights the importance of not just providing physical infrastructure but also fostering behavioral changes in communities. As the Togolese Red Cross continues its efforts in promoting hygiene education and constructing sanitation facilities, the project stands as a powerful example of how partnerships can contribute to healthier, more sustainable communities.
The initiative also sets the stage for future projects aimed at improving the WASH conditions in other regions of Togo, ensuring that more people have access to the basic necessities for a healthy life.
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