Togo

Togo

Country statistics Population: 6.3 mio. People without access to improved water sources: 2.6 mio. Child mortality: 10% Source: United Nations Statistics Division Project Project start 2008 Trainings through promoters, midwives and nurses 100 000 users

The SODIS method is being promoted in Togo since 2008. Compared to other West African countries, only few governmental development organisations are active in Togo. The work of NGOs is therefore all the more important. Consequently, our goal is to establish a large network of NGOs and specialists who will disseminate the SODIS method. Our specific pilot projects not only ensure access to safe drinking water for the population, but also serve as an example of how to disseminate the SODIS method efficiently.

The project is active in the regions of Plateaux (capital: Atakpamé), Maritime (Lomé) and Kara (Kara). In the selected villages, health workers are in charge of promoting the SODIS method. They collaborate closely with local health centres and conduct different information campaigns on HIV/AIDS, malaria, vaccination and now also on drinking water and hygiene. The health workers train the households and then visit them regularly throughout one year. They thereby check whether the trained people apply the SODIS method correctly, talk to them about their experiences and advise them on how to further improve the health of their families. Since 2010, we work with midwives and nurses. They teach the SODIS method in health centres and during visits of pregnant women. Over 100 000 people already use the SODIS method. Several other NGOs have also started to disseminate the SODIS method in Togo.

With the help of our projects, we train other organisations in the application of the SODIS method and its dissemination in the field. These organisations then implement their own independent SODIS projects. The thereby created network includes local NGOs, associations and government agencies. During their regular meetings, the project leaders exchange experiences and coordinate their activities.

In 2011, Eawag conducted a health impact study in the project area. The results prove that a consequent consumption of SODIS-treated water can reduce by 54 % the risk of children in contracting diarrhoeal diseases. Furthermore, the study revealed that the families have integrated the method into their daily routine, as they continue to use SODIS regularly even after many years.

Local partner organisation

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