IMPACT MARCH 2015
Pramila, 34, lives in rural India with her husband and four children.
HE ALTH
FIGHTING FOR DIGNITY THROUGH IMPROVED SANITATION
T
he health and safety of all those sponsored through
population has access to an improved sanitation facility.
Unbound is a priority. But one of the most basic aspects
Open defecation is common, especially in rural areas, where
of life is still a cause of concern for many of the families who are part of the program. Families without access to proper
people relieve themselves in nearby fields. The practice can be especially unsafe for women. In the
toilets must deal with water contamination, greater chances of disease, and in some cases, assault. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are “2.5 billion people without access to an improved sanitation facility.” This number includes those who use
last year, several cases of Indian
According to a 2012 WHO report, less than half of India’s population has access to an improved sanitation facility.
shared facilities, those using facili-
women while
being relieving
sexually
assaulted
themselves
have
made international headlines, and India’s government is putting a focus on improving sanitation. Firingi and Pramila are raising their four children in a rural area in northeast India.
ties below minimum hygiene standards, and those who prac-
“When the girls and my wife went into the field, it was
tice open defecation. Of the 1 billion people around the world
dangerous,” Firingi shared. To keep his family safe, Firingi
who practice open defecation, almost 60 percent live in India.
decided they would all go to the field together, despite the (continued)
According to a 2012 WHO report, less than half of India’s
SUPPORTING HEALTHY LIVES
A BLOG-READ-BLOG WORLD
Living in poverty often means living in unhealthy conditions with limited access to clean water, doctors or medication. By targeting your donation for Health, you support Unbound’s efforts to address illnesses and their underlying causes among the people we serve. Visit unbound.org/donate to learn more.
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blog.unbound.org. Read inspiring stories and see beautiful photos from sponsored children and elders, families, students, staffers and more.