Stopping the Outbreak of
Cholera Using Homemade
Soap to Reduce Waterborne
Diseases
Chapter 1: Problem Identification
1.1 Problem Description
Cholera is a severe waterborne disease caused by the ingestion of contaminated water
or food. It remains a significant public health threat, particularly in areas with poor
sanitation and hygiene practices. At Corridors of Hope Academy, instances of cholera
outbreaks have raised concerns about the health and safety of students. Many families
lack access to effective sanitation products, leading to increased vulnerability to
waterborne diseases. This project aims to address this issue by creating homemade
soap as a preventive measure against cholera.
1.2 Statement of Intent
This project intends to reduce the incidence of cholera by promoting the use of
homemade soap, which can be easily made from accessible ingredients such as
bicarbonate of soda, lard, vegetable oil, and other natural remedies. By educating the
community on hygiene practices and providing these homemade soaps, we aim to
empower families to protect themselves from waterborne diseases.
1.3 Main Idea (Theme/Topic)
The main idea of this project is to develop and disseminate homemade soap to
improve hygiene practices within the community, thereby reducing the outbreak of
cholera and other waterborne diseases.
1.4 Design Specifications
The initiative must meet the following criteria:
Health Benefits: Focus on the antibacterial properties of the ingredients used in the soap.
Accessibility: Ensure that all ingredients are readily available and affordable for community
members.
Education: Provide workshops to teach community members how to make and use the soap
effectively.
Engagement: Involve students and families in the soap-making process to foster a sense of
ownership and responsibility towards hygiene practices.
Chapter 2: Investigation of Related
Ideas
2.1 Understanding the Problem
Research indicates that cholera outbreaks are often linked to inadequate sanitation and
hygiene practices (World Health Organization, 2020). The use of soap is critical in
preventing the transmission of bacteria by ensuring proper handwashing. Homemade
soap can provide a cost-effective solution for communities lacking access to
commercial cleaning products (Smith et al., 2019).
2.2 Existing Solutions
Existing Solution 1: Commercial Soap Products
Advantages: Widely available and effective in killing bacteria.
Disadvantages: Often too expensive for low-income families.
Existing Solution 2: Public Health Campaigns
Advantages: Raise awareness about hygiene practices.
Disadvantages: May lack practical resources for implementation.
Existing Solution 3: Distribution of Sanitizers
Advantages: Quick and easy to use.
Disadvantages: Limited effectiveness against certain pathogens and often costly.
Current interventions often focus on promoting commercial products or public
awareness campaigns. However, these solutions may not be accessible to all
community members. Homemade soap can serve as a practical alternative that
combines affordability with effectiveness.
2.3 Gaps in the Literature
While various studies emphasize the importance of hygiene in preventing cholera,
there is limited research on the effectiveness of homemade soaps made from natural
ingredients. This project aims to fill that gap by promoting specific recipes and
methods for making effective homemade soap.
Chapter 3: Generation of Ideas
3.1 Modification of Existing Solutions
This project will modify existing hygiene promotion strategies by incorporating the
creation of homemade soap. This approach aims to provide a tangible product that can
be used to reinforce hygiene practices.
3.2 Creation of New Ideas
Idea 1: Homemade Soap Workshops
Merits: Engages community members in practical learning.
Demerits: Requires initial investment in materials.
Idea 2: Educational Campaigns
Merits: Increases awareness about cholera prevention.
Demerits: May not lead to behavioral change without practical application.
The final initiative will include:
Natural Soap Workshops: Sessions focused on preparing soap using bicarbonate of soda,
lard, vegetable oil, and other natural ingredients.
Awareness Campaigns: Informational materials that highlight the importance of hygiene and
proper handwashing techniques.
3.3 Analysis of Possible Ideas
Advantages Disadvantages
Provides hands-on learning Requires time and effort for
experience setup
Promotes community involvement Initial resistance to change
3.4 Presentation of Possible Solutions
The proposed solutions will be presented in community meetings and through
demonstrations, showcasing how to prepare and use the homemade soap effectively.
Chapter 4: Development of Idea
4.1 Selection of the Best Idea
The selected idea is to implement a program that includes:
Regular Workshops: Interactive sessions where community members learn to prepare soap
using local ingredients.
Recipe Booklets: Distribution of easy-to-follow recipe booklets featuring instructions on
making the soap.
4.2 Refinement of the Chosen Idea
The initiative will be refined by:
Collaborating with local health experts to ensure the soap recipes are effective and safe.
Conducting pilot workshops to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments.
4.3 Experimentation and Testing
The refined program will be tested through initial workshops, with follow-up surveys
to assess participants' experiences and any changes in their hygiene practices.
Chapter 5: Presentation of Results
5.1 Final Solution
The final solution will consist of:
Homemade Soap Program: A series of workshops focused on creating and using homemade
soap.
Educational Materials: Pamphlets and recipe booklets that outline the benefits and
preparation of the soap.
5.2 Evaluation of the Final Solution
The effectiveness of the initiative will be evaluated based on:
Knowledge Improvement: Assessing changes in community members' understanding of
hygiene practices.
Behavioral Changes: Monitoring any shifts in hygiene practices and incidence of cholera.
Chapter 6: Evaluation and
Recommendations
6.1 Achievements and Challenges
Achievements: The project successfully introduced homemade soap as a hygiene
solution, raising awareness and engagement among community members.
Challenges: Some community members may still struggle with consistent hygiene
practices and require additional support.
6.2 Recommendations for Further Improvement
Continued Support: Establish ongoing support groups for community members to discuss
hygiene practices and share successes.
Expansion of Workshops: Introduce more diverse recipes and ingredients for soap making to
keep community members engaged.
Collaboration with Health Professionals: Work with local health authorities to provide
additional resources and support for cholera prevention.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates that utilizing homemade soap made from bicarbonate of
soda, lard, vegetable oil, and other natural remedies can serve as an effective strategy
to reduce the incidence of cholera and other waterborne diseases. By promoting
hygiene and providing practical solutions, the initiative fosters a supportive
environment for the community, encouraging healthier practices and improved public
health.
References
Smith, R., et al. (2019). "The Role of Hygiene in Preventing Waterborne Diseases." Journal of
Public Health.
World Health Organization. (2020). "Cholera Fact Sheet." WHO.
Deterding, S., et al. (2011). "From Game Design Elements to Gamefulness: defining"
Gamification." Proceedings of the 15th international academic MindTrek conference:
Envisioning future media environments.
