Stories

A well-versed change agent, Jannatul Ferdous Masuma received training on the importance of hygiene behaviour under a project supported by Lindex and WaterAid in a slum at Kallyanpur, Dhaka, Banglad

Chattogram is the second-largest city in Bangladesh but only half of its population could access piped water. The channeled water source is often unreliable and unclean.

We are fortunate enough to receive training on cleanliness were we learned to make soapy water and keep ourselves hygienic by washing hands and maintaining social distancing. Through this cleanliness initiative I have built community spirit, and support collective action, as well as demonstrating government response and duties, not just individual responsibilities.

As working parents, my husband and I are always worried about our children’s health. They always felt agitated and sick.

Hygiene behaviour is central to the prevention of many health problems. To improve hygiene conditions in communities and workplaces, hygiene behaviour is necessary with the right knowledge, skills and practice. WaterAid Bangladesh with support from Lindex - a Europe's leading fashion company, developed a group of "Change Agents" at the factory level who act to support the ready-made workers with hygiene messaging and to practice hygiene behaviours.

Rumi promotes cleanliness in her community. As handwashing is the first line of defense to fight against Covid-19, Rumi monitors the handwashing devices in the slum and takes the responsibility to maintain the handwashing station. Rumi is also working as a community volunteer and involved in raising awareness in the slum on the prevention of COVID-19.

Using soap to wash hands is more effective than using water alone, says the change agent Mitu Akhter.

Tea garden workers are amongst the poorest, most disadvantaged and isolated communities in the country. Based majorly in Sylhet, these communities lack access to many basic rights – right to safe water and sanitation being a crucial one.