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The American Red Cross is working with the Red Cross Society of China to improve the health of rural residents in China by increasing access to clean water, improving sanitation systems and promoting hygiene education in local communities and schools.
Children's Photo Exhibit Reflects Need for Clean and Safe Living Conditions in China
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Improved Access to Safe and Clean Water
According to the government of China, more than 300 million Chinese villagers suffer from inadequate or unsafe water supplies. The American Red Cross and the Red Cross Society of China are working together to help rural communities establish new water systems to ensure a consistent supply of clean and safe water.
In Shanxi province, excessive fluoride levels in the water supply can cause serious bone and dental problems. A new well is being created to reduce the fluoride levels and provide the community with healthier drinking water. In Ningxia province, where water is accessible through natural springs, reservoirs are being built to capture water and protect it from contamination. In both provinces, water will be provided directly to the homes of villagers, some of whom currently walk over one kilometer to collect water.
Improved Sanitation Facilities for Students
Many schools have inadequate sanitation with unhygienic pit toilets located too close to classrooms. These conditions hinder students' health and can decrease attendance, especially among female students.
The American Red Cross is collaborating with the Red Cross Society of China in supporting the installation of latrines with water taps in 17 schools to improve health and hygiene. Promoting hand washing among students and creating access to clean, safe water will improve hygiene behaviors among children, keep the student population healthier and improve school attendance.
Health Education and Hygiene Promotion
To improve community health, increased access to clean drinking water and better methods of waste disposal must be accompanied by hygiene education. An assessment conducted by the Red Cross highlights the major reasons for the low levels of hygiene in the rural areas: lack of knowledge regarding the cause, transmission, and prevention of water-related and feces-related diseases.
The American Red Cross will work with the Red Cross Society of China to conduct health and hygiene promotion campaign at the grassroots, community and elementary education level. School-based promotion plays a key role in encouraging families to adopt improved hygiene behaviors and health practices. In total, approximately 25,000 students will benefit from this important education campaign.
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