African Action on AIDS (AAA) just came out with a double innovation aims at providing the general public with new tools to fight diseases caused by polluted water and unclean hands. Although the work of AAA aims to prevent HIV infection and AIDS, the function of the Portable Drinking and Hand-Washing Stations attempt to reduce the risk of opportunistic diseases caused by polluted water and dirty hands.
A Portable Drinking Station provides potable drinking water free of harmful contaminants. The water is protected from the threat of pollutants caused by unclean hands and containers because it is enclosed and elevated away from the floor. The station is comprised of a closed recycled 20 litres container, a brass sieve inserted at the bottom to collect and separate contaminated particles from water, and a metal frame that supports the container on the wall away from the floor. Included in the container filled with water is “WaterGuard” – a substance that makes water potable. An adapted brush to clean the container every time the water is changed and an extended wooden handle that hold cups away from the floor are placed on the wall adjacent to the drinking station .
A Portable Hand-Washing Station provides soapy water for the cleaning of dirty hands. The station is comprised of a closed recycled 20 litre container, a tap, and a metal frame that supports the container on the wall away from the floor. Included in the container is powder soap and water.
The innovative Stations are portable allowing people to travel with potable and soapy water from one location to another while simultaneously promoting the right to safe water and clean hands.
AAA is a tax exempt non-profit organization registered in the USA and operating under section 501(c) 3 of the IRS code. It is also registered in Cameroon (auth. No 00174/A/MINAT/DAP/SDLP/SAC). It has special consultative status with the United Nations ECOSOC and the UN Department of Information.
AAA Mission Statement affirms the following:
• We believe that no one is alone. We succeed when the youth we serve become agents of their own change and use their knowledge to change their communities.
• We reach the youth of sub-Saharan Africa whose lives are affected by AIDS.
• We affirm that tomorrow's responsible parents are the knowledgeable youth of today.
• We educate youth with the knowledge they need to stay alive; teach them to share that knowledge with their peers
• We build extended family support networks in local villages and communities to deliver security, food, education and healthcare to children orphaned by AIDS.
• We create healthcare awareness by building basic health plans with village women and their families. These plans help them to prevent HIV/AIDS and Malaria.
Ruth Bamela Engo
President, African Action on AIDS |
