Human Rights Water: Hygiene and Health in Africa and Asia

Numerous initiatives are committed to improving these circumstances, such as the World Toilet Organization for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), an initiative launched by the UNICEF and Welthungerhilfe will be carried. All these measures are supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Unfortunately, the situation is improving only very slowly.

As an RGV volunteer, you should be aware of this problem and deal with the topic in advance. Be aware that the Sanitary facilities in your destination country may not meet European standards. European toilets are not widely used in parts of Africa and partly also in our Asian destination countries. Although most of our accommodations have them, but outside you have to adjust to the more common standing toilets. Especially in hot countries, these are considered to be more hygienic and easier to keep clean than our usual sitting toilets.

Especially in Tanzania, Uganda, Namibia and Nepal you have to reckon with the fact that it is also in your Lodging possibly no western toilet, but only a standing toilet. It is important to us that at all of our locations hygienic and healthy sanitary facilities are present, no matter in what form.

• Take enough disinfectant for your hands from home and use it regularly
• Wash your hands as often and thoroughly as possible with soap
• Avoid using public toilets if possible
• Never drink tap water, not even in the form of ice cubes
• Try to avoid raw fruits and vegetables in general, never wash them with tap water
• Only use boiled water or mineral water to brush your teeth
• Your own safety and health always comes first. If you are unsure, contact your local team confidentially!

Important: While you should avoid public restrooms whenever possible, rest assured that yours Lodging, whether in a host family or in a student house, is hygienically safe.

In our projects, we attach great importance to ensuring flawless sanitary facilities. We are also actively involved in improving the general situation in our target countries, for example by building wells that ensure clean water. Especially in our projects with children - in schools, kindergartens or children's centers - educating the younger generation about hygiene and health care is very important to us. You, too, are in demand as a volunteer: pass on your knowledge and explain to the children, for example, the importance of washing your hands regularly.

In many of ours social and artisanal Projects can be actively used to improve the hygienic situation on the ground and to provide information. Contact us simply directly for more information about our various projects!