Annual Waterborne Diseases Awareness Workshop
On January 27, 2026, Foundation Lacasa KKO conducted a vital health awareness mission in the village of Kotokounou, located in the Bocanda region. Led by Dr. Augustin Konan and a team from the local health district, the session focused on the critical issue of waterborne diseases and how communities can protect themselves.
Here is a summary of the key insights and actions from the day:
Understanding the Risks
The primary goal was to educate the population on the dangers of consuming contaminated water. Dr. Konan emphasized that using clean water sources, such as boreholes, is essential to preventing serious illnesses. The discussion specifically highlighted:
Cholera
Dysentery
Bilharzia
Prevention and Safety Measures
To combat these "dangerous diseases," the delegation shared several practical hygiene and sanitation tips:
Safe Storage: Keep drinking water in clean, well-protected containers.
Sanitation: Stop open defecation; every family should utilize latrines.
Clean Environment: Maintain a healthy and hygienic living space.
Dr. Konan also provided emergency protocols for when borehole water is unavailable. He suggested heating water to 90°C, letting it cool, and filtering it before consumption. Alternatively, residents can treat 10 liters of water with half a tablespoon of 70% bleach grains and wait five minutes before drinking.
Community Response and Next Steps
The people of Kotokounou were deeply moved by the session and expressed a strong commitment to putting these health tips into practice. However, the community also highlighted a need for infrastructure support, specifically requesting assistance from the company SOLEA to help construct latrines.
The session concluded at 10:45 AM with a promise from the health delegation to return and monitor the community's progress in implementing these life-saving changes.
