The story of Hauwa

The story of Hauwa (Nigeria)

“Good hygiene saves money”

“I enjoy educating women and children about the importance of good hygiene, especially during COVID-19 time. Not only does it improve our daily life, but we can spend the money we save for doctors on food,” says Hauwa Hala Ibrahim enthusiastically. Hauwa provides hygiene education at Filin Ball displacement camp, located near Old Maiduguri in Borno, Nigeria. “I tell people, among other things, that defecation in open spaces can lead to the spread of cholera, diarrhoea and other diseases. People have to use the latrines or bury the stool. I also say that people should wash their hands with soap and water. I also give advice against dehydration."

38-year-old Fanne, mother of five, heeds - and shares - Hauwa’s advice: “This information about hygiene has given me a lot of knowledge about diseases: how I can avoid infections for me and my family. I have also gained enough confidence to talk to other women about what I have learned so far.”