Communities asked to boil water before drinking

Communities should develop the habit of boiling water before drinking because because of unknown hazards,

near the water sources.

This was conveyed in a four-day workshop based on drinking water safety security plan (DWSSP), organized by the Vanuatu Red Cross in Partnership with World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health at Isangel on Tanna last week.

Over 27 participants attended the workshop.

The practical session was an eye opener for participants who enjoyed it so much that they spent three days out in the field exploring water sources in Bethel and Ianukulapen.

“Water safety and quality are fundamental to human development and well-being.

“Providing access to safe water is one of the most effective instruments in promoting health and reducing poverty,” said Rex Thomas, WHO representative.

He said the international authority on public health and water quality, World Health Organization, leads global efforts to prevent transmission of waterborne diseases.

This would be achieved by promoting health-based regulations to governments and working with partners to promote effective risk management practices to water suppliers, communities and households.

During the training, the participants were able to describe the existing water supply system from the catchment to the consumer.

They also undertook assessments on risk characterization, identifying and understanding how hazards can enter into the water supply.

The health and WASH coordinator, Ellise Lee, said this is the second training held on Tanna after Malekula and there was a good turnout, reflecting the need to build the capacity and advance information elimination communication.

“If we move to other communities, for more training, there are people to use them and the team can use them in water committees,” says Lee.

“This is not a finalized report and we are recommending it to the ministry of health, because we are talking about health and safety”.