The Role Of Volta Rural Water Supply And Sanitation Project In Promoting Health And Hygiene Education In The Rural Areas Of The Volta Region

Abstract

The Volta Region is faced with many health hazards that are brought about by the absence of safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and an effective health education mechanism. This study aims at finding out the contributions of the Volta Rural Water Supply and Sanitation project to the promotion of health and hygiene education in the rural areas of the region. The study found out that in the area of community health, the project has made a significant impact on the people so far as community mobilisation and participation in health and hygiene activities are concerned. Members of the communities are now able to assess their health and hygiene needs and draw action plans for the satisfaction of these needs. Besides, they implement their action plans with minimum external supervision. The school health component of the programme has also brought about positive behavioural changes in pupils with regards to hygienic practices. Some of the indicators of this change in behaviour are washing of hands with soap and water, the use of individual cups and the hygienic handling of food by food vendors who sell on school premises. In addition, the project has put in place adequate mechanism for capacity building and sustainability of the health education programme after the withdrawal of donor support.