WASH
Our aim with this programme is on three levels: providing access to clean drinking water; providing the tools needed to maintain a hygienic environment; and spreading awareness on healthy habits around cleanliness.
DRINKING WATER SUPPLY
In Aragonda, Total Health established 9 potable drinking water plants (initially RO and currently Rapid Sand Filtration plants) in conjunction with the Gram Panchayats, to service individual households. While Total Health ensures regular maintenance of the equipment, the units are managed by the community as a business. In Amrabad, water scarcity is tackled by helping forest dwellers conserve water through various measures. Water purification tablets are also distributed within the pentas.
HYGIENE AND MENSTRUATION EDUCATION
In Amrabad, makeshift shower rooms have been built using straw and bamboo, so adults can have daily baths in privacy, without having to travel distances. Total Health also conducts menstruation and hygiene camps for the Chenchu tribe, where we tackle problems areas like pain and excessive bleeding, with a dialogue on when to visit the doctor and measures that can be taken at home. Reusable sanitary pads are distributed, while stressing on the environmental impact of disposable sanitary napkins.
AROGYA RAKSHAK
This is a platform in conjunction with Dettol’s Reckitt, for school children, teachers, and health workers in Chittoor to be on the same platform. So far 100 schools, almost all government-run, have been on-boarded, across 3 mandals. Hygiene corners have been established with children taught about handwashing and menstruation in a playway method and awareness drives conducted. Trainers are locally employed, and liaise with the schools, the government, Reckitt, and Total Health.