Page 94 - EMBRACE Book

Health and Hygiene

94
9 4 95
The lives of women and children are placed at particular risk when there is not proper
sanitation, hygiene, or access to safe water.

According to the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, 8% of maternal deaths
(and up to 15% in low and middle-income countries) can be attributed to unhygienic
conditions during labour, delivery, and post-natal care.

A lack of adequate facilities for hygiene and sanitation, such as handwashing stations and
latrines, leads to preventable infections that can cause death. 11% of the 7.6 million deaths of
children under the age of five are linked to poor sanitation and hygiene. For those children
who survive, repeat cases of preventable diarrhea causes malnutrition-related
complications.

To address these life-threatening issues, the EMBRACE project has taken a multi-pronged
approach. It has provided latrines, handwashing stations, and water filters. It has conducted
trainings to families and community leaders on the importance of practicing safe hygiene and
sanitation. It has also trained and equipped healthcare providers with the tools to improve
their practice.

Photo: © 2019 ADRA | Frank Spangler