Some people in our project areas do recognize the link between latrines and better health, especially in Asia where our project beneficiaries tend to live in more densely populated areas.

In rural areas, I find that the initial motivation for building latrines is typically for privacy, especially for women and adolescent girls. Women in India have frequently told me about their embarrassment at defecating in the open fields and being yelled at by the wealthier land-owners (who have private toilets).

Our partner organizations invest a great deal of effort in working with communities to help them have a better understanding of how latrines and better hygiene behaviors can improve their health. Local hygiene promoters from the communities themselves receive training and can be a trusted and respected resource for other community members. Often we see a few household make changes right away, then others build toilets and make changes over time. For any of us (think of unkept New Year’s resolutions) it takes a lot of time to change habits, sometimes a few years, which why we support the work of local partners who can be there to support communities over the long-term.

In your upcoming trip to Ethiopia, will you see areas which lack basic sanitation? And do you think the people in need of safe water recognize the link between latrines and better health, or are they more focused on obtaining access to water?

Chris