SOUTHERN GHANA: Maximization of health benefits through integration of water, sanitation, and hygiene education interventions in vulnerable communities

The development objective of the project is to maximize health benefits through integration of water, sanitation, and hygiene education interventions. This will be done by sensitizing the beneficiary communities, health centres, and schools in Ashanti Region by building their capacities towards the achievement of sustainable Community Ownership and Management (COM) for facilities and promotion of community-led total sanitation (CLTS) which promote handwashing for project beneficiaries.

• Construction of 25 deep wells (18 for schools, 3 for Health Centers, 4 for communities)

• Construction and installation of 21 overhead Tanks

• Installation of over 30 sinks and water points

• Purchase of a material transportation truck

• Water & Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) Education

• Monitoring and Evaluation activities.

BENEFICIARY CATEGORIES

• 4 Communities ~ 2,072 beneficiaries

• 3 Health Centers ~ 80,620 beneficiaries

• 18 Schools ~ 6,178 Students

Illegal mining in the Ashanti Region has caused water pollution, particularly in streams, rivers, and other open water sources. Pollution of water sources can have serious public health implications in communities that rely on these sources for drinking, cooking, and bathing and even livestock. Exposure to toxic chemicals can lead to a range of health problems, including skin rashes, respiratory issues, and neurological damage. Additionally, villages lack functional health facilities due to lack of clean water. In some instances, patients are required to carry their own water to the health center even when they walk long distances to service centers. Most communities have unqualified teachers in primary schools, as trained teachers are reluctant to work in these areas due to inadequate amenities such as water.

DONA is a registered non-governmental organization based in Kumasi, Ghana. The group started in 2000 and conducted environmental awareness programs regarding environmental issues in communities in the Ashanti Region. DONA also offers capacity-building programmes for NGOs, community-based cooperatives, and a host of individuals, on business management and on the development of biodiversity conservation, and utilization of request bases. They have proven their ability to execute water and WASH projects and have established their capacity to take on more projects work each year.