The outbreak of COVID-19 was unexpected, just when everybody thought that nothing like this could happen, it happened and took thousands of lives. WaterAid India has always stood for people’s right to access clean drinking water and sanitation. Apparently, Novel Coronavirus spread more in India due to the lack of hygiene awareness. Therefore, WaterAid India came forward to combat Corona Virus where it was more important. Rural areas have experienced a huge increase in COVID-19 cases day after day because of lack of awareness and poor sanitation practices.

Amidst the unlock and pandemic, WaterAid India launched “Wash on Wheels” initiative to provide low cost and accessible handwashing units for all. These mobile handwashing unit designed by WaterAid requires just a PVC pipe, two end caps, and a water tap. The 4-inch broad and 2.6-inch-long PVC pipe, with two end caps at its extremities, has a water tap fixed at its lower end. A liquid handwash is secured with tape at the mid-point of this unit. The unit can hold almost 5 liters of water, sufficient for 12-15 washes. The unit can be placed anywhere, from marketplaces to police traffic booths, and on autorickshaws. Till now, up to 500 portable hand washing units have been installed on Auto Rickshaws in Bhadohi and 250 units in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Talking about the changes that WaterAid is trying to bring, one is establishing the feeling of empathy and connection with each other. Along with many volunteers, the organization helped in spreading awareness by teaching people how to make homemade sanitizers.

According to a survey, globally one out of six (16%) healthcare facilities lack hygiene services, i.e. they do not have handwashing facilities with soap and water at points of care, as well as near toilets according to a report WASH in Health Care Facilities by WHO and UNICEF.
Through their blogs and videos, WaterAid India made people aware about the correct ways of washing hands and keeping up with sanitation.