A Brighter Path: How Improved WASH Enriched Yanern’s World
In the heart of a small community in Samoui District, Saravane Province, 63-year-old Yanern lives with her son, Goudon (31), daughter-in-law, Hien (29), and her two granddaughters, Na (7) and Nuang (4), along with her one-month-old grandson, Keotar. Their family primarily relies on farming, particularly growing cassava for sale, while also engaging in animal husbandry.
However, life has not been easy for Yanern. For the past seven years, she has struggled with severe vision impairment, making communication and mobility a challenge. The absence of toilet facilities in her home compounded her difficulties, as she relied on her family for support.
Reflecting on her journey, Yanern shared, "Before I lost my sight, I had an eye problem that only worsened over time. I sought treatment with traditional medicine for a year, but it didn’t help. My son took me to a hospital near the border, where the doctor recommended surgery, but we couldn’t afford it. My vision continued to deteriorate until it became irreversible." Living in darkness was difficult, and there were days when she felt hopeless, worrying that she was a burden to her community and family.
At the end of 2023, led by World Vision and supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the Samoui Nutrition Action Project (SNAP) collected data on individuals with disabilities in its targeted communities, identifying 152 people with various impairments. The project then provided support for constructing accessible toilets and sinks for 62 individuals, among other essential assistance. This initiative aimed to help vulnerable communities reduce the incidence of water, sanitation, and hygiene-related diseases linked to undernutrition.
Undernutrition, combined with inadequate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), creates a damaging cycle. A child or individual who is undernourished is at a higher risk of infections and illnesses. Conversely, consuming contaminated water or lacking proper sanitation can lead to sickness and chronic diarrhea, hindering nutrient absorption and resulting in malnutrition. These interconnected issues make it challenging to break free from this cycle.
Recognizing the vital role of WASH in breaking the cycle of undernutrition and disease, SNAP has prioritized improved WASH as one of its key outcomes. In fiscal year 2024 (October 2023 to September 2024), the project invested 135,845,500 kip to support over 160 households living in poverty, each with at least one member with a disability, working alongside the Samoui District Health Office. This support included constructing latrines or providing technical guidance for latrine building to eliminate open defecation, promoting best hygiene practices like proper handwashing, and repairing or installing new water systems within the community. As a result, the proportion of households with access to safe and clean water rose from 54.6% in 2022 to 73.6% in 2024, while families practicing open defecation dropped from over 77% to around 38% in the same period.
Yanern was one of the individuals who benefited from these improvements, receiving a specially designed toilet with a handle for ease of use, along with a water supply and handwashing facilities. These changes have significantly enhanced her comfort and independence. She expressed gratitude for the newfound autonomy the project provided: "Since the project came to help, I can manage many things on my own, like getting to the bathroom and showering without needing my children’s assistance. They now have more time to focus on making a living."
Yanern also takes pride in advising her grandchildren on good hygiene practices, ensuring they wash their hands after using the facilities and before meals. "I am very happy to have received this help. I appreciate that the project recognizes the value of people with disabilities like me. Having a toilet and the right equipment has greatly improved my quality of life," she stated.
In many targeted communities of the SNAP project, individuals with disabilities often face stigma, exclusion, and a lack of opportunities to participate in social activities. However, Yanern's experience has transformed since receiving support; she now feels more confident and valued. "I want to make sure my family maintains the toilet and water system so that I can continue enjoying this independence," she added.
With unwavering support from World Vision and MFAT, Yanern’s journey highlights the transformative power of community-driven initiatives like SNAP, which effectively address the root causes of malnutrition and enhance overall health in vulnerable communities. By investing in accessible latrines, handwashing facilities, and safe water systems, SNAP improves individual well-being and disrupts the damaging cycle of undernutrition and disease. This initiative ensures families have access to clean water and proper sanitation, reducing waterborne illnesses that hinder nutrient absorption, allowing children to thrive. Ultimately, this progress not only enriches Yanern's daily life but also fosters hope within her community, paving the way for a future where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can thrive and contribute to a better tomorrow.