Lao PDR

Lao PDR

Country statistics Population: 6.2 mio. People without access to improved drinking water: 2.5 mio. Mortality among children below 5y: 7% Source: United Nations Statistics Division Project Project start 2009 Training by health authorities, schools

We support IRD (International Relief & Development), an international NGO, in the implementation of a pilot project for the promotion of the SODIS method in rural areas of Laos.

A substantial part of the rural population of Laos does not have access to improved sources of drinking water, and many families consume water from rivers and unprotected dug wells. In the districts of Gnomalat, Mahasay and Boualapa in the province of Khammouane, the percentage of people without safe drinking water is between 53-62%.

The Ministry of Health plays a pivotal role in the current phase of the project. The Clean Water Department produces training material, organises workshops and training courses at national, provincial and district level. Together with local promoters, it also trains so-called "Village Health Volunteers”, water users in three pilot districts. Furthermore, the Clean Water Department is introducing the SODIS method also in 40 schools.

From the close collaboration with the local health authorities we expect indirect impact through progress towards the institutionalization of the SODIS method in governmental health and water supply policies and programs.

Local partner organisation

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