Location: Ghana (Goaso Market)

In these times, all nations and cultures around the globe are experiencing the fears and challenges of living during a pandemic. The disparity between those in areas with resources and communities in remote villages is all the more apparent against this backdrop. In Ghana, which is seeing an upward trend in cases of Covid-19, many villagers have difficulty accessing safe and local hand-washing facilities. Where hygiene resources are lacking, often so is education on health and measures to stop the spread of viruses. This month ACESWorld launched the beginning of a project—Fighting Covid-19 Though Community Hand-washing Stations—which aims to deliver resources and education to multiple communities currently lacking sanitation facilities. The first stage of this project was the construction of a hand-washing station in a busy market in Goaso, Ghana.

ACESWorld's team members surveyed six community members visiting the market. Four of those questioned claimed they visit this market every day, with all visiting at least once a week. All indicated they were “very concerned” about contracting Covid-19, and believed the hand-washing station would be “very helpful” in reducing spread. After its installation, there was interest and engagement with the new hand-washing station by community members of all ages. In the coming days, ACESWorld will collect more data to identify how the hand-washing station is used and any barriers to participation of community members. It is projected that setting up five to eight stations in underprivileged areas will impact the lives of more than 500 people. The cost and resources required for this project are minimal, but the potential impact on mitigating the spread of Covid-19 is invaluable. The ACESWorld team looks forward to partnering with local communities to educate and expand this project where it is needed most.

Support

Funding support is needed.

Other needs: Volunteers, Access to information

See more:

https://www.acesworld.org/new-blog/2020/7/30/fighting-covid-19-though-community-hand-washing-stations

For more information contact covid19@unmgcy.org