In this issue we look at the three related subjects of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. It is now realised that these three must go hand in hand to achieve real improvements in health. Richard Franceys and Paul Dean have helped to provide articles and practical instructions for each of these three key areas. Issues for both rural and urban situations are considered. We show how to build a water tank for use alongside a home, school, health centre or church. (We know from your letters that some groups successfully followed the instructions on building this tank from Footsteps 1.) In a future issue we will give a short article on making cement water jars which are ideal for use in the home.
We also look at how to understand and help change people’s attitudes through hygiene education, and there’s a quiz to check out people’s understanding. We have some useful ideas for low cost latrines, in particular, the use of sanplats. Sam Kayaga of the National Water Supply and Sewerage Corporation of Uganda considers why we have to pay for water supplies. And we’ve included some ideas for visual effects to enliven health teaching or drama.
by Isabel Carter