Building Latrines - Better Sanitation in Cambodia

In the developed world, we understand the importance of proper sanitation and the impact it has on our health. In Cambodia, many rural families do not have a latrine. Instead, they are forced to use the area around their home, contaminating their and the entire community's water supply, adding to the serious problem of poor health conditions.

Having to relieve oneself in the open poses risks and challenges, especially for women and children. A latrine is not only a more comfortable, safe place for individuals to dispose of their waste, but latrines keep flies away from the waste. Flies carry germs from thuman waste to other areas, resulting in the spread of diseases, which can lead to death. With a latrine, flies cannot make contact with the human waste, therefore, the threat of diarrhea, worms, cholera, and typhoid fever is reduced.

With the installation of a latrine, the recipient family receives training on the proper use and maintence of their latrine, along with the importance of good sanitation and the impact it has on improving their health. It is important they understand these basic facts. Trailblazer knows this education is needed to ensure the project is successful.

The time to install latrines is during the dry season, which is January through June. When the rainy season hits, the land floods and makes construction of latrines impossible. The rains are coming to Siem Reap province. It is important that we work now to help rural families achieve improved sanitation and health.

However, we have not reached our goal in funding to be able to provide latrines to rural families on our list who are wanting, needing, a latrine. We need your help, today, to make this project become a reality and bring those families a safer, cleaner environment.

Thank you for your support of this important, live-saving, project.

Links:

• Toilets & Latrines - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention