Jajarkot's poor hygiene score

JAJARKOT, Dec 19: The recent diarrhea and cholera epidemic that took the lives of nearly 200 people is still fresh in the memory of Jajarkot residents. But hygiene still continues to be a problem here, according to an inspection conducted by Nepal Water for Health (NEWAH) at the community schools, VDC offices and health posts.[break]

 

NEWAH inspected 105 schools, 13 health posts and eight VDC offices in the past four months to assess hygiene. The organization found that 42 schools do not have toilets and 10 schools that have aren´t used.



The organization said even health posts do not have adequate toilet facilities. Of the health posts inspected, only three had toilets. Similarly, there were no toilets in six VDC offices.



Bharat Bhatta of NEWAH said lack of toilets especially inconveniences schoolgirls and teachers. Menstruating girls do not attend classes. In some cases, they even drop out.



Prakash Bikram Shah, a civil society leader, said the findings point at unhealthy living condition in the rural areas and urged the government to launch a cleanliness campaign.

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