Key Steps of “PASCHIM PAAILA”
Last year in response to diarrhoea/cholera epidemic in the Mid and Far-Western Region of Nepal, which has claimed the lives of about 300 people, ENPHO has joined hands with several youth groups to initiate a campaign called “paschim paaila.” This youth-led campaign has sent 63 volunteers, most of whom were public health students, as well as emergency supplies of PIYUSH and oral rehydration salts to the districts of Jajarkot, Rukum, Surkhet and Dailekh. The volunteers have helped in raising awareness on the importance of safe water, sanitation and hygiene; distributed PIYUSH and other supplies; treated water sources with chlorine solution; and conducted research on the epidemic. The campaign has also mobilized volunteers to produce PIYUSH chlorine solution.
“paschim paaila” celebrated its 1st birthday on 17 July, 2010 which added lots of energies, commitment and enthusiasm to work together on disaster preparedness, awareness and response. After returning from last year’s epidemic areas, the steps of “paschim paaila” didn’t stop, but the new steps were forwarded to generate more awareness among people to support during epidemics through various events and campaigns. It continued to consolidate Youth efforts for making further steps to prepare for disaster response. In addition, several capacity building trainings on water and sanitation issues were conducted in collaboration with ENPHO targeting to Youth Volunteers.
Representatives from “paschim paaila” also participated in various events, trainings and workshop to enhance knowledge and strengthening networking. Youth Volunteers from “paschim paaila” also supported ENPHO to conduct Water Quality monitoring in Kathmandu, perform household socio-economic survey at Surkhet, Hetauda and Bharatpur. In collaboration with various agencies including ENPHO, RCNN, WaterAid Nepal, “paschim paaila” managed to organize several events, talk programmes, workshops and awareness generating activities. “paschim paaila” had also actively participated during celebrations of events such as World Water Day 2009, Global Hand washing Day, World Toilet Day. This year, “paschim paaila” has been awared with “UN HABITAT Youth Fund” to implement Youth Led WASH awareness project at poor communities in Kathmandu Valley. The project will be officially implemented from 1 January, 2011.