However, when soap and water are readily available, hand hygiene can prove to be highly effective, as it has been in Diaba’s village, where the practice is part of a much wider health-improvement programme supported by Concern.
Today, the 18-year-old community well has a new concrete floor and is enclosed by a wall and gate, preventing goats that roam freely through the village, from contaminating the precious water source. Diaba, who is a member of the local water management committee, is in charge of rigorously maintaining the enclosure – handing out fines to anyone who sets foot inside the boundary without removing their sandals or shoes.
The committee also promotes plastic teapot tippy taps - simple devices operated by a foot lever allowing you to wash your hands hygienically; household latrines to improve sanitation; and a weekly village tidy-up.