Health as a Foundation for Prosperity: DMDO’s Impact in Nambahu Dispensary

Nambahu Dispensary

Nambahu Dispensary, located in Nambahu Village within Mtama District Council in Lindi Region, Tanzania has long served as a vital health facility for the surrounding community. Despite its importance, the dispensary operated for years under difficult conditions, lacking basic sanitation infrastructure. Staff and patients had no access to proper improved latrines, clean water or handwashing station, posing health risks for health workers and patients seeking treatment.

The DMDO Intervention: Water and Sanitation Upgrades

In 2021, DMDO intervened the situation, with the funds from the Grille Foundation they ensured a reliable supply of clean and safe water to the dispensary. This was followed by the construction of an improved latrine with three stalls including one designed to be disability-friendly, and the installation of a handwashing facility.

“We had no proper latrines for staff or patients. The few temporary facilities we used were unsafe and unhygienic. On top of that, there was no reliable water and no handwashing station. This created risks for both workers and patients seeking treatment, even health workers like us were exposed.” Nurse Hasara David shared

Modern Facilities: A Shift in Hygiene Standards

The newly constructed latrine is a flush system that uses water, which has significantly improved cleanliness and hygiene. Thanks to the consistent availability of water, the latrines remain clean at all times unlike before when the facility relied on open pit latrines that were difficult to maintain and posed serious health hazards. The lack of water made it challenging to keep the toilets usable and outbreaks of disease were a constant threat.

A patient washing hands at the Nambahu Dispensary new handwashing facility.

 “Today, we are proud of the changes,” Nurse Hasara adds. “The flush latrines are safe and clean for both staff and patients. The handwashing facility has made it easy for everyone to wash their hands after using the latrine or before attending to patients. This has greatly reduced the risks of infections and improved the dignity of our health services.”

Impact on Health and Community Confidence

These improvements have brought significant relief to both health workers and patients whereby Staff now work in a cleaner, safer environment and proper hygiene practices have become an integral part of daily routines.

New improved latrine with three stalls

Community Prosperity

With access to clean and safe water, improved latrine and proper hygiene facilities, the community of Nambahu is now better protected from diseases and health workers can deliver care with confidence.

DMDO’s intervention has removed a major barrier to prosperity. When families are healthy, they can work, learn and grow. Children stay in school, parents remain productive and the entire village moves forward.