To Navaneetham, taking care of business in the bush was common practice. Even though it could be embarrassing since there was no privacy, and occasionally dangerous to go out alone at night, no one in her community had a toilet or was aware of the health risks associated with unsafe sanitation, such as infection and disease.

One day she participated in a health awareness campaign that was organized in her village. When she learned about the problems that can occur because of poor sanitation, she was determined to build a household toilet. She took out a loan and bought a toilet, wash basin, and other fittings.

Today, Navaneetham is very proud. She is the first person in her village to have a toilet in her house! She said paying back her loan is no burden at all. Following her example, 27 others took out loans for their own toilets.

Navaneetham beamed, “Now I needn’t worry about poor sanitation affecting my family’s health. We are all very comfortable. It is especially a relief for my daughter and me.”