Reinventing the Latrine

Hadas Hamerovv, NALA’s engineer has been working on ways to improve basic latrines in rural Ethiopia using inexpensive local materials. Our health education programs and messaging help explain why using latrines will lower disease prevalence in their community but if the facilities are unpleasant, then there will still be open defecation. The new design has features that increase air circulation and reduce the presence of flies. The hole is safer for children and the floor is easier to clean. NALA will be testing the new designs in communities to measure usage and level of acceptance.