In Ethiopia, we eat with our hands – as opposed to using spoons and forks – so we always wash our hands before we eat. Unfortunately, the cultural practice is to just use water, not soap, which does little to remove harmful bacteria that cause people to get sick. It’s only after the meal do most people use soap.
So how can we reverse this practice to help families stay healthy? Recently, we used the power of story and engaging demonstrations to help Afar clan members understand the important role proper hand washing can have in preventing diarrheal disease among their families. Diarrheal diseases are not just an inconvenience, they can be seriously life-threatening, especially for children.
During the training session in the Afar Region Dulessa district. This training is part of a two years project funded by the Protestant Agency for Diakonia and Development (PADD), focusing on Mothers and Child Health Care (MCH). One important outcome of the training is to improve the hygiene and sanitation condition of the households in Dulessa district of Afar.
One of the participants in the training, Asker, is a highly respected member of the clan that frequently shares what he learns with his family. After the session on hand washing finished Mr. Asker shook his head and sadly said,
“Now we know why many of our people die and struggle with their health. Simple and proper hand washing could have prevented our children from getting sick and die. I am sorry to say this but ignorance caused a lot of damage to our community. We are selling many goats and cows to cover our medical expenses. Not been educated it is affecting our household economy too. Some of the doctors taking advantage of us because we are not responsible for our lives.”
The next morning after the training I was having my breakfast in town when Mr. Asker passed by. I invited him to join me for breakfast, but before we started our conversation he went to immediately to wash his hands. Not surprising, there was no soap available, but that didn’t stop Mr. Asker. He gently asked the owner of the Cafe for soap and while he was washing his hands encouraged the owner to provide all the time the soap for his customers. The owner of the café smiled and said to Mr. Asker “Thank you for sharing with me what you have learned and we will do as you said.”
While we were having our breakfast Mr. Asker wanted to tell me what he has done last night. I was eager to hear from him and encouraged him to share with me what he has done.
“Well, yesterday after the training I clearly understood why we are suffering with our health. Last night the first thing I did was to run into the shop and buy four bars of soap, one for each of my wives. First, I shared all information I have learned about a proper hand washing during the training session and then told them strongly how it is important that we wash our hands before we eat, after clearing the child's bottom and before food preparation. In the beginning, all of them were confused with this new idea but later the more I explained in depth they understood what is this all about and accepted my advice”
He continued “I will continue to share with the rest of my clan members and want to become champion for this.”
I laughed and told him how he blessed my heart. It is amazing to see a small seed of information begin to change a family and the entire community attitude. FSA is thankful for people like Mr. Asker and for the organizations willing to invest in lives like his.
Guret Ahmed
Founder and Executive Director
Friendship Support Association (FSA)