Despite the high prevalence of COVID-19 in this country, the United States is still in a better place to fight the disease than many developing nations. While the pandemic still rages within our borders, some organizations are using resources to help other parts of the world.
Well Beyond is an Austin-based nonprofit that uses technology and consulting to improve rural water supplies worldwide. On Monday, the company launched an app to help serve these rural communities.
The app provides water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) training to help with sanitation needs in developing nations. This involves things like teaching how to build DIY soap and handwashing stations, how to make your own face mask, COVID-19 education and more.
Although they are basic hygiene practices, handwashing and proper sanitation remain effective ways to stop the spread of COVID-19. But these things are harder to do without access to clean water. That’s why Well Beyond hopes it can address the threat of disease by starting with the water supply.
“The communities we work with through our clients may not have sinks, soap and medical infrastructure, but 34 percent of young adults in Kenya do own a smartphone,” Well Beyond founder and CEO Sarah Evans said in a statement. “We can use those smartphones to train and guide these communities to better protect them from the spread of the coronavirus — even in the most vulnerable places. And, we’re offering it for free.”
Evans previously spoke to Built In to share how her startup is working to help communities in need. You can read the full story here.
