Children's club in Bangladesh contributes to better health

She is called a "hygiene hero"

Afsana Khatun is 13 years old and lives in an area called Pargobindopur Abashon in Bangladesh. In the community, Afsana has been given the title of "hygiene hero". Through the children's club that Erikshjälpen supports, she has learned about personal hygiene. Afsana now teaches her knowledge to family and friends, which has led to improved health for everyone around her.

Diseases spread easily

Apart from the fact that few people in the country have access to sanitary toilets, there is also a lack of understanding about how to dispose of waste safely. As a result, diseases are spread through contaminated waterways where garbage is dumped, and despite government interventions , progress is too slow. That is why it is important that children, like Afsana, become advocates for good hygiene.

At the kids' club, they talk about the importance of washing often with soap and brushing your teeth every day. They have also talked about small things you can do in everyday life to keep things clean around you. For example, wearing different slippers in the toilet than the ones you wear at home.

Fewer people get sick

It is Afsana's persistence and knowledge that means those in the village are now seeing an improvement with fewer people falling ill. All thanks to her teaching people about the importance of good hygiene.

Author: Anton Eriksson