ANNOUNCEMENTS
“WASH (Water, sanitation, and hygiene)” is a vital priority for humanity and dignity. Inadequate WASH facilities aggravate negative health consequences such infectious illness, diarrhea, and childhood stunting. The evaluation on awareness, attitude, and actions towards WASH in Chikkitibett and Shiva Cottage communities in the Kotagiri Taluk are required to formulate the essential intervention to mitigate various complications. The WASH facilities and related practices are mapped for the selected communities using geographic information system (GIS). Various features such as houses - with toilet and without toilet, water sources, water storage and distribution, sewage and open defecation fields were mapped. A questionnaire survey was conducted in the selected communities to analyze the “WASH related awareness, attitude, and actions” as one member from each household in the community is considered as enrolled participant. The questionnaire consists of various attributes such as “sociodemographic characteristics, existing water facilities and associated issues, perceptions and practices related to WASH and suggestions.” In addition, by integrating the maps, questionnaire survey data and direct observations, the complications are revealed and the essential “WASH” related intervention and suggestions are recommended which are aligned with “UN SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) 6” to strengthen access to the “WASH facilities” and to ensure safe and hygiene WASH practices for the communities.
Keywords: WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene); GIS (geographic information systems); awareness; practices; interventions.
