Programs / Public Health / Communities / El Naranjo «

The community of El Naranjo is fortunate to have a gravity-pump water system that was built 5 years ago to provide water to all homes all times of the day. The system operates from a drilled well from which an electric pump brings water to the highest point in the community. The water then flows to homes using gravity.

Despite having access to water, many community members in El Naranjo lack the resources needed to improve their homes and prevent diseases caused by unsafe living environments. Prior to the arrival of the Public Health Brigades in January 2015, most homes lacked latrines and showers, forcing community members to relieve themselves and bathe outside. Similarly, most community members could not safely store their water, which increased the risk of waterborne disease. Further imperiling community members' health, the majority of homes had dirt floors and traditional stoves, resulting in illnesses such as Chagas Disease and respiratory problems.

Although community members recognized the problems inherent to their living environments, they did not have the economic resources nor the technical knowledge needed to address them.  Moreover, the level of awareness concerning sanitation and the importance of health was very low as the children did not receive any education about the topic prior to the entry of the Public Health Program.

Starting in January 2015, brigaders started implementing Public Health projects in El Naranjo. Through the construction of hygiene stations (showers, pilas, and latrines) and concrete floors in family homes, Global Brigades and the community seek to decrease the prevalence of preventative health issues in the community.  Public Health brigaders also prepare and present a broad curriculum of Public Health topics, such as basic hygiene, water storage, and pesticide use, among others. These topics help educate and empower community members to improve the health of themselves and their families.