The East African Standard (Nairobi) 31 March 2008
Posted to the web 31 March 2008
Nairobi
Outbreaks of cholera in Nyanza Province have put the spotlight on a problem that doesn’t seem to get much Government attention – rural sanitation.
There have been more than 450 cases and 39 deaths reported since January, the beginning of the International Year of Sanitation. The epidemic began in Suba and Siaya districts, spread to Homa Bay and then the lake-side city of Kisumu. Another outbreak has been reported in Budalang’i constituency, Busia district.
Two factors mentioned by public health authorities as driving its spread were food preparation for large groups, such as funeral feasts, and improper disposal of human waste.
“Only about 30 per cent of residents have built pit latrines,” one health official said. “People defecate in the bush.”
Read more: AllAfrica.com and East African Standard
Sanitation Updates 