In the Matopos region of Zimbabwe, local volunteers identified 49 families infected or affected with HIV/AIDS who lack a toilet. This means that these families are defecating and urinating in the tall grasses or forests surrounding their homes. AFCA will build long drop toilets (loos) using recycled materials, providing the families with decent and safe toilets. A solar lamp will complete the package, allowing beneficiaries to use the facilities with the aid of a light.
Various issues arise from people defecating and urinating in the open: 1. Diseases including diarrhea, typhoid, dysentery, and intestinal worm infections increase, exacerbating stunting and death 2. Women and girls unable to access a toilet for their personal hygiene while menstruating can contract infections and diseases 3. Women and girls often resort to relieving themselves at night to avoid being seen by male family members or neighbors. This leads to sexual violence and rape in many cases
AFCA will be sharing LooLove by building long drop loos (toilets) for 49 pre-selected families, using recycled materials which are turned into ecobricks. With a hired local builder leading the charge in each area where the building will take place, families will contribute with their own labor, giving them the dignity of being part of the solution to a terrible problem. Families will be trained on how to use the toilets, making sure they are kept fly and smell free.
The use of good, decent toilets will have many benefits for the recipient families including: the reduction of the spread of intestinal worms, schistosomiasis, typhoid, cholera, and trachoma, which are the cause of much suffering. They will promote dignity and boost safety, particularly for women and girls. Water sources will not be contaminated by fecal matter, meaning that families will have cleaner water sources for drinking and irrigation of fields. We expect to see better health all around!
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