Water safety in the village of Beroy Nord in Southern Madagascar
The decrease in health expenditures through securing the drinking water in the village of Beroy Nord contributes to changes in the habits and behaviours of the villagers.
The village of Beroy Nord is the largest source of income in its commune in Southern Madagascar. It has an alternative groundwater source, and since 2017, a well and vegetable gardens have been built.
In May 2022, UNICEF and local partner NGO SAHI were working together in the village to raise awareness and support communities in using water stations.
As soon as the opportunity arises, Sana, married and mother of four children, seizes every opportunity to sensitize her peers on the habits to adopt, in order to protect the water from unhealthy sanitary conditions and thus avoid consuming unsafe water that can cause diarrheal diseases, which formerly affected her children. Recently and thanks to Sana’s involvement, the village community has been able to enjoy “water safety in the village of Beroy Nord”. Such awareness raising has not only provided a source of healthy and safe living, but has also helped to change the habits of villagers, especially their children.
More motivated than ever by the benefits of the water point, Sana said, “I am aware of the importance of conserving water well to avoid diarrheal diseases.” She is committed to continuing to repeat this message to her peers as soon as the opportunity arises; Sana added, “It is important to apply good practices and key messages on hygiene and sanitation to sustain water safety.”
