Portable Containers for Hand Washing

Kenya suffered it’s first three Covid-19 infections on March 13, 2020.  By March 15th the government had declared an emergency, sealing the borders and closing all schools and non-essential businesses.  All social gatherings such as churches, markets and even weddings and funerals are banned also. Talk about social distancing!  Even money has been banned (cellphone only for all cash transactions).

After social distancing what is the best defense against Corona virus?  All health authorities including the CDC and the World Health Organization agree – it’s HAND WASHING!!

Esabalu knows a lot about handwashing!  In 2017 a break in the sewer main from Maseno University led to a deadly epidemic of cholera.  The Bailey Whaley Clinic health volunteers sprang into action distributing chlorine bleach house-to-house  to treat drinking water. They also instructed affected families  in washing hands to prevent spread of the bacteria by the caregivers of infected people.  The epidemic caused serious illness and killed many people.  But in Esabalu and the area served by the Bailey/Whaley Clinic there were no deaths.

Handwashing Station Installed and In Use

Students at Amesbury Middle School learned about the importance of clean water in Africa as part of their social studies classes with 7th grade teacher Kristen Bilodeau.  They held a book fair at the school library with librarian Lori Byman to raise money to help the children in Esabalu learn about the importance of washing hands. Hand washing stations were purchased with the proceeds and  installed at 14 pre-schools where the little ones continue to learn how and when to wash hands.

When the Covid-19 emergency was declared on the 15th of this month the health volunteers and youth groups in the village knew exactly what to do.  Amesbury for Africa approved emergency funding on March 25th and by March 29th hand-washing stations were purchased and installed in 26 locations in the village.  Each station is brought inside at night by a volunteer and put out the next morning filled with a mix of soap and water.  The health workers will supervise and address any problems that occur.   They are working with the Kenya Ministry of Health to arrange for training in the principles of taking care of viral pneumonia.

Amesbury for Africa wishes Esabalu well.  Afya sana (good health)  to our sister villager friends and families!