Accesss to Safe Drinking Water and Effects in Curbing Child Morbidity in Central South Somalia: a Case Study on Prevalence of Diarrhoea in South Central Somalia

Abstract

The aims of the research were to find out how access to safe drinking water in Central South Somalia has helped curb child morbidity by reducing diarrhoea episodes; to determine the prevalence/incidence rate of reported diarrhoea among under five year age children in Central South Somalia; to relate hand washing with soap to reduction of diarrhoea cases; to determine the effect of household water storage on reported diarrhoea cases; to assess the aims for use of various treatment options for water in the households and to establish the effect of water treatment on diarrhoea episodes. A survey research design was used to sample 200 respondents to whom questionnaires were administered. The study found out that access to safe drinking water plays a critical role in curbing under 5 diarrhoea episodes. With improved water sources along with handwashing after defecation helped in reducing diarrhoea, especially in urban areas. Hand washing facilities need to be near or inside the toilet not distance away and hand washing occasion’s education increased to caregivers. Installation of water containers in the households enhanced hygienic practices and further reduced cases of diarrhoea with urban areas showing greater improvement than rural areas. These water storage containers need not to be available but clean and covered with a lid to prevent contamination. Various reasons were given for choices of different use of different water treatment options, from cultural of reducing productivity to strong chlorine taste. The practice of drinking treated water also reduced diarrhoea cases especially in urban areas, where walking distance to water points is minimal or piped water is available compared to rural where people have to walk more than 30 minutes. The study recommends that a water management framework be put in place to protect water sources, and also to ensure treatment of water and safe storage is readily available in both rural and urban populations.