Development...

I was quite taken aback the first time I saw this poster on a wall in Juba. It is a billboard poster that is plastered across the city, its message loud and clear:

It is great that people are being taught about hygiene in such a positive way. 

However, it shocked me to read this and to understand just how far this country has to go in terms of development when it is still having to teach people the basic necessity of using a toilet.

On the other hand, I heard a tale the other day from an international aid worker based here. 

I was told that in a certain remote village in South Sudan, people make a concerted effort to defecate outside their home, especially in the evening. The poop should then all be made fully visible for all the neighbours and passers by to clearly see the next day. The more there is on show, the better! The reason for this is because it will apparently demonstrate how well the residents have eaten and therefore show them in a good light as being well off and able to provide well for their family...

There may be some logic in this, but not much to promote good hygiene and health awareness! 

Thankfully, this does not appear to be the culture in Juba! I am all for posters like the one above....