Modern Toilets to Raise Quality of Life for Haitians

Before toilet projects can begin, an understanding of how Haitian households view urination and defecation activities must occur. In the countryside, defecating in a field is an acceptable practice. Residents in these areas hate pit latrines because they smell and despoil the land. Educating them to change their habits will not happen overnight.

People in urban areas, aware of the dangers of improper sanitation practices and conditions--such as cholera--commonly install toilets in their homes. It brings with it an increased social standing, which means 'you are ready to receive guests'.

Other considerations, affecting toilet design, are what define an acceptable toilet. Will the community decide to build a sit-down, squat, water-sealing, composting, flush or long-drop toilet? To address the issue around toilet design, the IFRC has been working on an assessment mechanism for communities with antiquated ideas about bodily functions.

In order to impress upon poorer folks the health benefits of using a modern toilet, the entire community must be engaged in building and using their own toilets. The convenience and cleanliness of using a modern toilet will change behaviors and attitudes and improve the quality of life.

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Read more: Cholera, Toilet, defecation, Home and family

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