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Yes, The Only Sure Way to Prevent Cholera Is Using Clean Water

Not only have the residents of Al Humaydat District in Al Jawf Governorate suffered from water scarcity for fifteen years, but also they end

July 9, 2020 · 2 min read

Not only have the residents of Al Humaydat District in Al Jawf Governorate suffered from water scarcity for fifteen years, but also they endured the outbreak of epidemic cholera and AWD (Acute Watery Diarrhea), that killed three children. Unfortunately, most of the areas that are surrounding Al Humaydat District have untested ground wells, where some of them have non-potable water except one, in which the citizens used to use the non-potable water for external use only, such as doing laundry, toilet, and urinal. What is more, the girls, boys, and women, residing there used to walk an hour back and forth to fetch some liters of water, carrying jerry cans in their hands.

According to Al Hymaydat Health Center, there are 44 cholera cases. "The reason for the outbreak of cholera is the contaminated water." Dr. Ali Hebah said. Bashir Yahya Abdullah, a wise man in Al Humaydat District, said: “Tragically, the available sources of water to the residents are unsafe since they are shallow, and exposed to dust as well as insects.” He also added saying,” This is why malaria and acute diarrhea are widespread among the inhabitants, especially women and children.”

What added insult to injury is the high price of a water tanker, in which 18 thousand liters of clean water costs YER 30,000. "The cost of water tankers was shared amongst five families in my neighborhood and the water which lasted for three days came to YER 6,000 per house." Nasser Jaber said, one of the residents.

To assist those in need, BFD (Building Foundation for Development) launched a project funded by UNICEF called “Integrated WASH and C4D Intervention in Al Jawf and Sa’ada Governorates”, and the project aimed to improve the water security for the benefit of the whole community. To do this, BFD needed to clean Al Humaydat Borehole and conduct a pumping test. Moreover, an elevated reservoir was rehabilitated; besides, a solar energy system was installed. Furthermore, water network lines were installed to provide each HHs in Al Humaydat District. Currently, 2091 inhabitants do not need to walk long distances to collect water anymore or pay too much money to buy water tracker since they have easy access to clean water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. All in all, the intervention of BFD ensured clean water provision to host communities and IDPs with quantities no less than 15L per person, which rest assured them that the outbreak of cholera has been reduced due to the clean water.