The Impact of WACFO's Health Initiatives

The CBR volunteers and WACFO health team initially faced significant challenges in Alony, lacking a dedicated space for training, counseling, and community awareness on basic health concerns. The community's hygiene structures were severely inadequate, with 100 households sharing only 30 pit latrines, leading to widespread open defecation. Undernutrition was rampant among children under five due to poor family planning and misconceptions about diet; vegetables were considered food for the poor, while meat was reserved for Christmas, causing families to sell livestock and buy beans instead.

In 2022, WACFO, supported by CBR volunteers, initiated an outreach center to identify children with disabilities and provide community advocacy. Despite frequent relocations and disruptions, their efforts began to make a difference. This year, an elderly community member donated land, providing a permanent base for their activities. Through persistent awareness campaigns on nutrition, hygiene, and sanitation, WACFO achieved a remarkable transformation: 70% of households in Alony now have pit latrines, reducing open defecation and improving waste disposal. The incidence of stomach aches and diarrhea has significantly decreased.

The local council, empowered by WACFO’s training, implemented a by-law to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation. Families now understand and practice balanced nutrition, preserving food for their children instead of selling all their produce. "We thank WACFO and SSHJM for their great contribution towards the transformation of our community. Latrines are no longer miracles here, and we now understand what a balanced diet is. Our work as local leaders has become much easier," said the Local Council One Chairperson of Alony Village.

Through dedicated efforts and community collaboration, WACFO and SSHJM have significantly improved the health and well-being of the Alony community, setting a foundation for a healthier and more sustainable future.