Sanitation & Hygiene

Diarrhea and respiratory diseases are the primary causes of infant mortality in India. According to the World Health Organization, every year, nearly 2 million children suffer from diarrheal disease. Many suffering from diarrheal disease are also at risk of malnutrition, stunted physical growth, and a weakened immune system. Many other diseases, such as tuberculosis and worm infestations, are closely linked to unsanitary conditions and overcrowding and account for high mortality rates among slum inhabitants. Improving hygiene and sanitation not only improves health but also has other social advantages such as increased school attendance, less time spent on collecting drinking water, and caring for the sick.

"Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS) is a simple, environmental friendly low-cost solution for drinking water treatment at household level that uses solar energy (UV-radiation and increased temperature) to destroy pathogenic microorganisms"
 

The SODIS program is being implemented by ISARD in association with Development Alternative (DA) supported by EAWAG, Switzerland from November 2009 in 10 slum area namely, Sanjay Amar Colony, Indira camp Karkarduma, 18 block Indira camp, Dhobhi ghat, Block 17 Kalyanpuri Block 21 ,Sanjay camp ,Rajiv camp ,Block 19-20 ,Indira camp Trilokpurpui of East Delhi. ISARD has reached out to 5000 households via this initiative as of March 2011.
 

The aim of this program is to encourage and disseminate point-of-use water treatment methods at the household level, as well as to improve the hygiene practices of the final beneficiaries, in order to minimize child mortality and improve overall health. Via SODIS, the vision is to provide clean and accessible drinking water to all families in the program region.