Project Lead(s): Daniela Silva Soto
Issue
Lack of access to clean or safe water in the developing world contributes to the alarming burden of diarrheal diseases, particularly affecting children under five years old, immunocompromised individuals and the elderly.
In Bolivia, access to safe water and sanitation is improving significantly but, despite important gains, there is still a high percentage of people without access to an improved water source (24%) and without access to an improved sanitation facility (66%) in rural areas.
Solution
The aim of this project by the SODIS Foundation is to implement a sustainable strategy to distribute water filters to indigenous people through a corporate social responsibility model.
Water quality was analyzed in three communities of the TIPNIS (Territorio Indígena y Parque Nacional Isiboro Secure) indigenous population and two communities of the Quechua indigenous population in Bolivia.
Baseline assessment of the chemical, physical and bacteriological analysis of water was done by a laboratory and, following water filter use, another analysis of the water was performed to indicate the presence or absence of coliforms.
A water filter with a 22-liter capacity conforming to World Health Organization (WHO) standards was selected for the project, and a distribution network was established with a supplier and local promoters.
The aim of the project was to have 1,000 people (200 families – an average family has five members) using the water filter.
Outcome
So far, 614 people are participating in the project and using the water filters.
Although the product was accepted by people, some awareness and change of attitude in relation to water consumption is still needed.
The entire population of the five project communities has been visited and home visits have been made to monitor the correct use of the water filter.
Baseline testing showed fecal coliforms were present in 77% of water samples. In contrast, 94% of the samples of filtered water were negative for fecal coliforms.
To date, infant mortality due to diarrheal diseases has been reduced by 35.1% in the communities with filters and health quality has improved in 94% of community residents.
The project team would like to scale up the program to partner with other municipalities to support the distribution of water filters in their areas.
The SODIS Foundation is also preparing a new project in the same area of intervention, to develop and build a system for harvesting rainwater.