CASE STUDIES
CASE STUDY 1
Sharifan Bibi – from Hanjali Mehtabpur, Pasrur
I thank Caritas Pakistan form organizing a seminar in our areas to on the importance of handwashing as a key habit to secure life from diseases, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to understanding the significance of handwashing, I used to suffer from frequent bouts of illnesses, particularly waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. However, after attending a session on WASH hygiene practices, I learned the importance of handwashing and began incorporating it into my daily routine. With the outbreak of COVID-19, handwashing has become more important than ever to prevent the spread of the virus. I make sure to wash my hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating, after using the restroom, and after coming in contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. As a result, I have noticed a significant reduction in the number of illnesses I contract, and my overall health and wellbeing have improved. I urge everyone to make handwashing a regular habit to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19 and other diseases, and lead a healthier life.
CASE STUDY 2
Caritas Pakistan Multan, under its WASH project, has been actively promoting health and hygiene awareness through various sessions with school children, women, and local communities. The project aimed to educate individuals on the importance of clean water, personal hygiene, and proper washroom sanitation. As part of this initiative, Caritas provided essential supplies, including disinfectant sprays, hand sanitizers, and masks to schools and communities.
At St. Joseph School and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Saeed Colony, the existing washrooms were in poor condition, making it difficult for students and churchgoers to use them. Students often resorted to using their homes’ washrooms, while churchgoers faced significant challenges, especially on Sundays and Tuesdays when the church was busiest. The damaged sewerage system further exacerbated the situation.
In response to these issues, His Excellency Bishop Yousaf Sohan of the Diocese of Multan requested Caritas Multan’s assistance in constructing new washrooms. In collaboration with the Diocese, Caritas built three separate washrooms one for males and one for females near the church. These facilities will serve both formal and non-formal students, church attendees, and security officers. The St. Joseph School principal and local community are deeply grateful for the improved sanitation services provided by Caritas Pakistan Multan.
CASE STUDY 3
Rahim, a 38-year-old father of four from a village near Faisalabad, struggled with inadequate sanitation, which caused his family significant health issues, especially during the rainy season when water contamination was prevalent. Frequent waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea, particularly affected his youngest daughter, leading to frequent hospital visits and missed school days for his children.
To address these challenges, Caritas Pakistan Faisalabad implemented a WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiative, prioritizing Rahim’s village. The program provided construction support for toilets and conducted hygiene awareness sessions on handwashing, waste management, and toilet maintenance.
The intervention has significantly improved Rahim’s family’s health, with his daughter no longer experiencing recurring illnesses. His children now attend school regularly, and the community has embraced better hygiene practices. Rahim expressed profound gratitude, noting how the initiative has enhanced their quality of life, fostering a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient village.
CASE STUDY 4
My name is Fiza, a 16-year-old student from Nasreth Colony, Jaranwala. As the eldest of three siblings, I live with my single mother, who works tirelessly as a domestic worker to support our household. For a month, I suffered from recurring illness, missing school and causing concern for my mother, who sometimes had to take leave from work. Without proper medical consultation, I relied on over-the-counter medicines, unaware of preventive measures.
Caritas Pakistan Faisalabad conducted a session on personal hygiene, which revealed my infection and its causes. They emphasized the importance of hygiene and provided guidance on maintaining cleanliness, especially in washrooms. We received hygiene kits with essential items for daily care, including menstrual hygiene products.
This initiative transformed our lives, improving our health and confidence. I am deeply grateful to Caritas Pakistan Faisalabad for empowering us with knowledge and tools to safeguard our well-being and dignity.
CASE STUDY 5
Saba Yousaf, a 35-year-old mother of three from a semi-urban area, faced frequent illnesses in her household due to poor sanitation and limited healthcare access. To address this, Caritas Pakistan Faisalabad organized a training session on proper disinfectant use. Participants learned the difference between cleaning and disinfecting, proper dilution and application techniques, and the importance of high-touch surface sanitation.
Saba implemented these practices, focusing on effective disinfectant use and hygiene in her home. This resulted in fewer illnesses among her children and improved her own health and energy. Empowered by her new knowledge, she shared these practices with her family and community, becoming a trusted advocate for hygiene. This transformation boosted her confidence, making her a community advocate for effective disinfecting practices. As more families adopted these methods, the community saw a decline in infectious diseases, fostering improved public health and collective well-being.
