By Mike Fennema

World Renew recognizes that healthy families help build strong communities. In Houaylai and neighbouring Nanoy, remote villages in Laos, villagers rely on what they grow and gather fishing and hunting to survive. At times, their diet is limited, and they lack clean water and latrines, which causes health problems. The difficulty of travelling for medical care makes it essential to tackle health issues at the village level, so in 2019, World Renew began working with the villages to do just that.

World Renew staff have met with community members to discuss how health is affected by issues like mosquito breeding places, open defecation, rubbish disposal, and availability of water. As a result, villagers are working to deal with stagnant water and to cut down weeds to let in sunlight and reduce pests and diseases. People are using mosquito netting, and children are learning about handwashing and other proper hygiene practices.

Villagers now see that unsanitary conditions lead to poor health and they are committed to making changes. Cleanup efforts have resulted in a high interest in latrines. At first, just three families contributed labour and some of the cost of new latrines. They worked alongside World Renew staff, who provided technical assistance during construction. After seeing the first latrines, ten more families built theirs. Eleven latrines are in progress, with plans for 15 more. The use of latrines has led to health improvements that the villagers notice.

World Renew also encourages villagers to make the journey to a health centre and to take medication. They encourage prenatal care and support on-site health checkups. Through the project, mothers and children are being vaccinated. In addition, families with limited means and people with disabilities are receiving support, including educational support for children with special needs.