2008 is declared a National Year of Sanitation in Laos
Tom Winkler, UNICEF
© UNICEF/HQ02-0580/Jim Holmes
A Lao boy bathes with water collected at a handpump, in the remote northwestern province of Luang Namtha. The handpump, installed at a health center, is now also being used by the community.
VIENTIANE, Lao PDR (Updated July 6, 2008) — The Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR)—better known as Laos—declared 2008 to be a National Year of Sanitation this spring, illustrating the Government's commitment to UNICEF's global campaign on water and sanitation. A recent ceremony attracted more than 1,000 people, including government ministers, school children and representatives from over 120 villages throughout the country.
"I would like to urge all public and private organizations both at central and local levels to fulfill their tasks and to achieve the objectives of this National Year for Sanitation," said Lao PDR Deputy Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith.
Led by the country's Water Resources and Environmental Agency, the declaration ceremony featured educational activities and exhibitions. The government is encouraging active participation at all levels in addressing the future of water and sanitation.
Speaking for the United Nations, Ms. Sonam Yanchen Rana, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Lao PDR pointed out that low sanitation coverage continued to be among the greatest threats facing children in Laos. She said a recent cholera outbreak in the south of the country highlighted the importance of good sanitation and hygiene.
Focus on schools
© UNICEF Loa PDR/2008/ Souvannavong
Primary school students take part in a classroom hygiene activity using a UNICEF-supported kit called the "Blue Box."
Since 2002, UNICEF has remained committed to addressing safe water, sanitation and hygiene in Laos, with a focus on community outreach as well as the needs of rural schools.
A unique educational package called the "Blue Box" has been specially developed for schoolchildren. Supported by UNICEF and developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, the Blue Box is a participatory, interactive toolkit for primary schools. The kit contains games, story cards, songs, posters and other materials containing key hygiene messages.
UNICEF hopes that through proper education about water and sanitation, transmission of water-borne diseases can be avoided.
Numerous challenges
© UNICEF Lao PDR/2008/ Holmes
Lao PDR Deputy Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith is presented with a packet of soap promoting safe water, sanitation and hygiene in Vientiane.
Only 20 percent of people in the country of Laos currently have access to adequate sanitation.
Since 2002, UNICEF has supported the construction of gravity fed water systems for over 149 villages as well as opening over 1,120 ground water sources. Through a well established process of community dialogue and contribution, nearly 25,000 family latrines have been constructed through UNICEF support.
"We are still facing numerous challenges in providing safe drinking water and basic sanitation. The situation is particularly acute in remote areas where access is difficult and information is lacking," said the Minister of Health, Dr. Ponmek Dalaloy.
