Using cellphones to improve water, sanitation

Published on July 11, 2013 06:06 by Water Network Research, Official research team of The Water Network in Non Profit

In the context of Sindh, the WHO's contentions are correct. Poor drinking water quality, inadequate sanitation and absence of hygiene principles are contributing to too many preventable diseases. The service delivery component is not up to the mark.

A major international Unicef study on child malnutrition makes a startling disclosure. It says that unsafe water damages children's digestive tracts. The child's gut that is constantly assaulted by infections is unable to absorb nutrients needed for growth and development. Simply stated, it means that no matter how much extra food is given to a child, they will all pass through the child's system, without being absorbed, resulting in malnutrition.There are a few options for improving access to water and sanitation in Sindh. One such option is the use of mobile phones.The basic framework proposed here involves an SMS - based users' feedback system. Users will sms the local government department, highlighting problems in rural water and sanitation systems. The framework would also involve media partnerships, by using local media to sensitise the issue. This will put pressure on the elected representatives and the government officials to respond quickly.

Support of tlecoms providers would be required to develop the right and rapid software to handle the flow of sms's, in English, Sindhi and Urdu. The technology may also have the provision of providing hygiene messages to the users and getting their feedback. Once the system gets going, this will provide heavy traffic and the resulting financial benefits to the telecoms providers.

Media

Taxonomy

Sustainable Water Resource Management