Open Defecation (a.k.a. “Shitting in the Bush”) and Other Risky Behaviours

The hygiene promoters have a list of risky behaviours that they discuss in village meetings. They discus why these behaviours are risky. Some of the discussion is very blunt and the villagers have a good laugh about it. The idea is that building latrines and wells is only part of the solution to decreasing incidences of water borne/hygiene related diseases!

Risky Behaviour #1: Open Defecation (a.k.a. “shitting in the bush”)

This is what a villager must do if they do not have any sort of a latrine. So when the hygiene promoters arrive at a village without latrines, they know open defecation exists (but people don’t talk about it!). Why is it risky? I faeces is left in the open, it becomes a breading ground for bacteria and flies are also free to come and go from your food from the pile. The problem is that flies are also free to come and go from your food and can therefore transfer bacteria from faeces to food. So if you have a latrine, but your neighbour doesn’t, you’re not safe from the flies! Way forward: start building some sort of a latrine.

Risky Behviour #2: Not washing your hands

There are a variety of risky hand washing habits. The most basic risky behaviour is not washing your hands at all. Why is it risky? Toilet paper isn't used so much in the village, so it's either a leaf or your left hand! Way forward: build and use a hand washing station outside your latrine.

Risky Behaviour #3: Leaving dishes on the ground

Most cooking is done outside and dishes, even after they are washed, are left on the ground. There's no kitchen, let alone a sink or counter top. So animal like chickens, goats, dogs, and pigs can sniff, lick, and step in dishes, pots, and pans! Why is it risky? All of these animals are also free to roam in the bush (see Risky Behaviour #1). Way forward: build a dish rack to dry & store your dishes.

Risky Behaviour #4: Washing hands in shared water

It is a tradition in Zambia to rinse your hands with water at the dinner table before eating nshima. At restaurants there are water dispensers to wash your hands. In homes you use a bowl of water. Why is it risky? Everyone at the table washing their hands in the same bowl of water means your sharing germs with everyone at the table! Way forward: pour water from a pitcher of water and use soap.

...etc.

So what do you think about this? It may seem like common sense to wash your hands after going to the bathroom in the west. Why do you wash your hands after going to the bathroom? Why do you bother using the bathroom?

*Drawings are from a PHAST training guide*