WaterAid in Burkina launches a WASH project in prisons

Mariame Dem, Regional Head and Girish Menon attending the launching ceremony.

Credit: WaterAid in Burkina Faso

17 January 2012

On 29 November 2011 WaterAid in Burkina celebrated World Hand Washing Day at the central prison of Ouagadougou, the capital city, and launched a new campagin "Clean hands in prison".

In attendance were the political and administrative officials, WaterAid management at country, regional and international levels, the prision security staff, and inmates themselves.

Inmates are vulnerable people and are regularly at risk of catching infectious diseases. The spread of these diseases can be ascribed to a number of conducive factors including crowded cells with precarious conditions and lack of soap and hand washing facilities.

The "Clean hands in prison" campaign is focused on raising awareness on the importance of washing hands, reducing the prevalence and transmission rates of diseases brought about by a lack of hygiene and sanitation in jails.

As an international NGO with expertise on water, hygiene and sanitation for the poor, marginalised and vulnerable people, we intend to use this campaign as a critical step to work more in prisons.

Mr Joe Lambongang, Regional Programmes Manager, noted that the success of this pilot project requires the active involvement of all partners at different levels working together to make it a model which can be reproduced in the sub region, and even globally.

Current sanitation in the main prison of Ouagadougou.

Credit: WaterAid in Burkina Faso

To promote and ease the practice of hand washing practices for inmates, we have installed some hand washing facilities in various strategic places within the prison. There are also plans to build facilities, carry out awareness sessions and train inmates on hygiene rules and practices.

Mr Edouard Djiguima, Regional Director for Prison Systems Security, highlighted that: "Hygiene and sanitation are the core concerns in these premises. Sensitization and provision of hand washing facilities will significantly reduce the number of infections inmates face."

Mrs Victoria Ouédraogo, Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, said that she expects other water and sanitation stakeholders to be inspired by this campagin and also work towards improving life in prisons.

National level top music stars and comedians also brought their special touch to the event through songs and drama to promote hygiene practices in prisons.

The official launch of the campaign ended with a demonstration on hand washing by the inmates and officials, including the Secretary General of Justice and IPD Director. The prison management was then presented with soap and hand washing facilities.

On 1 December 2012, a WaterAid team made up of CP, regional and international staff visited inmates and prison managers to discuss the sanitation facilities of central prison in Ouagadougou.

Going forward, WaterAid and the Minister of Justice and Human Rights will hold a meeting to develop the 2012 action plan of the campaign.