Role of Women in Prevention of Epidemic Waterborne Diseases through Training Programmes in Mysore City

Three minor epidemics of waterborne diseases were observed during the period of this study in Ekalavya Nagar, B.M Sri Nagar and Manjunathapura in Mysore City. As it is necessary to increase both, knowledge and awareness among people, especially women, about freshwater pollution, the H₂S strip test as well as waterborne diseases training programmes were arranged for women and students on the subject of the epidemic of waterborne diseases in their own areas. The programmes were about the faecal contamination of drinking water, simple purification methods in drinking water supply management and sanitation, and were made possible through this research work. The results showed that women who participated in the training programmes, especially from the areas affected by the epidemic of waterborne diseases, were interested in water related training such as the H₂S strip test as well as the chlorination method. It also showed that the use of buckets and storage vessels is a major means of introducing contamination. Due to the daily water requirement, women had to store water and for this they use some vessels to collect drinking water. Usage of the freshwater and daily refilling of the vessels kept for drinking water can help the health of the house holders.