Implementing Sanitation and Hygiene Programs to Promote Better Health
In many parts of the world, there is little to no access to safe and proper sanitation services. Each year, the United Nations observes 19 November as World Toilet Day. It lays emphasis on inspiring action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and raising awareness around the significance of having proper sanitation for better health.
According to the U.N., 30 million children in India do not have access to toilet facilities in schools. While approximately 80 percent of India's primary schools are operated by the government, nearly half of these schools don't have usable toilet facilities for female students causing an alarming drop-out rate of 23 percent for adolescent girls.
To help address these issues, Mylan implemented sanitation and hygiene programs in schools across the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. The initiative aligns with India's Swachh Bharat Mission - a nationwide campaign with a goal of constructing home-owned and community-owned toilets for the health and safety of residents.
Mylan has been continually working with schools and colleges in neighboring areas with a focus on providing sanitation and drinking water facilities. Following are some of the programs that have been implemented this year -
- Construction of 25 toilets in individual households in Sarigam village in Gujarat, India. The facilities are benefitting at least 100 people in the area.
- Providing toilet facilities for five schools that positively impacted the lives of over 2,765 students. Three of these schools are based in villages in Tamil Nadu, one in Telangana and one Karnataka. These facilities were inaugurated in early December 2019.
Rooted in a legacy of giving back, Mylan focuses on making an impact that improves lives not only today but also benefits future generations.
