The global recognition of the provision of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) as basic services and a human right is mirrored by the absence of such services to many rural communities in South Africa, where they are available but do not provide safe or adequate service to families. Many families living in rural communities or informal settlements experience long-term effects beyond health, especially when considering social well-being. Poor WASH systems create difficulties for these families but also affect their emotional well-being, daily routines, and children’s opportunity for developmental experiences. Additionally, a lack of WASH services has been associated with serious negative consequences for children’s physical health, nutrition, cognitive development, school attendance, and psychosocial development. Children who feel ill or anxious about using an unsanitary toilet often have difficulty learning and participating fully, resulting in poor academic performance. In addition, girls are at greater risk of harm due to inadequate WASH facilities, resulting in decreased feelings of dignity, privacy, and school attendance during menses. Thus, it may be argued that enhancing WASH systems is both a technical task and a significant investment into the welfare of children and families in South Africa, which will require an integrated approach. As such, this chapter uses an interdisciplinary methodology to explore the important function of WASH in contributing to the overall well-being of children and families in South Africa, while being mindful of the diverse social and environmental contexts in which families exist. The use of an interdisciplinary methodology represents an integration of public health, social work, environmental science, education, and community development. Ultimately, this chapter demonstrates the ways in which WASH intersects within the field of social work in providing safer, reliable, and dignified basic services in promoting healthier and more stable families throughout South Africa.

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An Interdisciplinary Investigation into the Role of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene as Foundations for Child and Family Well-Being in South Africa

  • Elzahne Simeon De Jager,
  • Pieter Boshoff,
  • Hendrik Ewerts,
  • Preyan Arumugam-Nanoolal

摘要

The global recognition of the provision of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) as basic services and a human right is mirrored by the absence of such services to many rural communities in South Africa, where they are available but do not provide safe or adequate service to families. Many families living in rural communities or informal settlements experience long-term effects beyond health, especially when considering social well-being. Poor WASH systems create difficulties for these families but also affect their emotional well-being, daily routines, and children’s opportunity for developmental experiences. Additionally, a lack of WASH services has been associated with serious negative consequences for children’s physical health, nutrition, cognitive development, school attendance, and psychosocial development. Children who feel ill or anxious about using an unsanitary toilet often have difficulty learning and participating fully, resulting in poor academic performance. In addition, girls are at greater risk of harm due to inadequate WASH facilities, resulting in decreased feelings of dignity, privacy, and school attendance during menses. Thus, it may be argued that enhancing WASH systems is both a technical task and a significant investment into the welfare of children and families in South Africa, which will require an integrated approach. As such, this chapter uses an interdisciplinary methodology to explore the important function of WASH in contributing to the overall well-being of children and families in South Africa, while being mindful of the diverse social and environmental contexts in which families exist. The use of an interdisciplinary methodology represents an integration of public health, social work, environmental science, education, and community development. Ultimately, this chapter demonstrates the ways in which WASH intersects within the field of social work in providing safer, reliable, and dignified basic services in promoting healthier and more stable families throughout South Africa.