In the northern region of Mozambique, specifically in the Mogovolas district, where Bilharzia is notably high, access to clean water is a genuine source of suffering.
What is Bilharzia or Schistosomiasis?
Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a parasitic disease caused by worms of the genus Schistosoma. Its main characteristic is the infestation of blood vessels, often manifesting with blood in urine or stool after exposure to contaminated water.
How do we provide access to clean and safe water in Mozambique?
Villagers must resort to unsafe water sources to meet their basic needs. This exposes them to weakening disease contamination and other waterborne infections, which leaves many vulnerable to prolonged health complications.
This tough situation has urgently pushed Doctors Without Borders (MSF) to implement sustainable solutions. We provide access to clean and safe water by establishing six protected wells in this district. Coupled with community awareness initiatives, these address the immediate health concerns of Bilharzia and other waterborne diseases. Additionally, it lays the groundwork for a long-term community response to mitigate infectious diseases.
How the wells work
The protected wells have been designed to bear environmental changes, ensuring reliable access to safe drinking water year-round. Each well stands as a lifeline for the community it serves.
Castro Pereira, MSF's Water and Sanitation Technician, leads the execution of this activity, which now supports approximately 350 households. But his work doesn't stop there: He took water samples for evaluation by the authorities. Laboratory analysis revealed that the water from these wells is clean and certified safe for consumption.
Access to clean water through user-friendly systems
The user-friendly systems make the wells accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Rabia Chico, a mother of two children who lives in the Muepane community in Mogovolas, reacts by saying:
"I'm incredibly thankful for the gift of this well because we've never had access to anything like it before. Previously, we endured long and dangerous routes to collect water, which is more or less the same we did when in need to reach ahospital. Now, these essential resources are right on our doorstep. The illnesses that once infected us are gradually disappearing because we now have access to clean and safe water. This has made a difference, especially for our children, who used to suffer greatly from waterborne diseases.The days of hardship are finally behind us.”
The construction of these protected wells has lifted the burden of water collection. It allows Rabia and other community members to engage in income-generating activities such as farming, which is Mogovolas' everyday livelihood.
“We use water for everything—from cooking and drinking to bathing and other household needs. Having access to clean water has truly transformed our lives, bringing us a sense of security." Chico added.
Partnering to provide water and maintain safe hygiene practices
MSF does not work alone but in close partnership with community leaders and health authorities. The Community Water Committee plays a critical role in ensuring the sustainability of the protected wells. The committee serves as the custodian of the wells, overseeing their management and maintenance. It comprises dedicated local community members like Fatima Aluano, who have undergone specialized training in safe hygiene practices and well-maintenance. This way, we can address potential malfunctions promoted by MSF.
Aluano explains, "I've been fortunate to receive training that empowers me to collaborate effectively with my community to ensure the long-term accessibilty to close water sources. Through this training, I've been able to mobilize my people to actively participate in initiatives aimed at maintaining the wells."
The community maintains these wells
Their responsibilities include mobilising the community to participate in activities such as regularly cleaning the wells, organising the queue to fetch water, and conducting routine inspections to identify potential problems.
Additionally, the committee serves as a liaison between the community and MSF, identifying resources and support to maintain the functionality of the wells. By fostering a sense of ownership and collective responsibility, the Community Water Committee safeguard these essential water sources for their longevity and continued benefit to everyone.
"Before the wells were built, our only option was to rely on river water to meet our basic needs. This often meant exposing ourselves to contaminated water sources, leading to numerous health concerns for our community. However, with the construction of protected wells, we now have access to clean and safe water right within our village. It is peace of mind to feel secure." Aluano concluded.
The interconnected nature of water, climate events, and health underscores the importance of comprehensive approaches to addressing these issues. By integrating water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions with broader climate adaptation strategies to mitigate neglected tropical diseases, this project is creating combined solutions that, in turn, promote health resilience and resource sustainability for communities in Mogovolas.
