Disease Prevention

Over 80% of Hamar have preventable diseases: ascariasis (roundworm), diarrhea, respiratory disease, the common cold. Because access to health care is difficult, these diseases can be life-threatening. They exacerbate malnutrition and dehydration, compromise already weakened systems, and cause unnecessary death. 

“Simple” changes in behavior can prevent most of these illnesses. Using pit latrines rather than open field defecation, and washing hands and faces can dramatically reduce the incident of disease. But, of course, changing centuries’ old behavior is anything but simple. Few people want to change familiar behaviors – especially when they don’t have enough food to eat or water to drink.

So GTLI uses a method called Community Based Learning in Action (CBLA) (link) to motivate the Hamar to adopt healthier behaviors. Through CBLA, communities learn that their own behavior – not punishing spirits – is causing their illness, and collectively decide to adopt new practices.


above: mapping open defecation areas helps community members see the importance of using pit latrines


right: the opening of a trading center is a chance to promote handwashing



We believe that when communities. . .

  • have access to clean water
  • understand that current behaviors make them sick, and
  • see that washing and pit latrine use improves health . . .

they will maintain their water schemes and practice healthy behaviors long term.