Health and Nutrition

by John Bidwell, Segou, Mali

The d rinking water from wells was fresh, but I still treated it with a filter and bleach. In truth, I often drank untreated water when I visited Malians. The village has greatly improved the quality of the drinking water with the introduction of the pumps. A couple of the neighborhoods have improved their well water with well repairs. These repairs help to prevent contaminants, like trash and animals, from falling into the water. Some families filter their water and treat it with bleach. The importance of clean water is also taught at the village school. There the students learn about germs, and how contaminated water causes skin infections and diarrhea and disease. The local health clinic not only treats patients, but it also teaches people about how to treat diarrhea.