Household Chlorination, Sodium Hypochlorite Production, Evaluation and Dosification (APW Report)
Summary
An Agreement for the Performance of Work (APW) was contracted with Ms Kate Medlicott to conduct laboratory trials with sodium hypochlorite production, evaluation and dosification as part of the household chlorination strategy within the Lao, People's Democratic Republic Cholera and Diarrhoeal Diseases Control Program action plan. The terms of reference are to: 1) complete laboratory trial with production evaluation and dosification of sodium hypochlorite solution, with reference to the WHO provided lab protochol in particular; 2) develop clear and appropriate dosification guidelines and tables to guide, the provincial, district and village based trial; 3) commission existing and new lab equipment and instruments as appropriate; 4) provide recommentations regarding short term laboratory requirements especially regarding supplies and equipment; 5) teach the laboratory staff technical skills and proper procedures as required; 6) liase with the World Bank - PCU project team in Vientiane and provincial representatives as required to ensure benefits of the lab trials reach the pilot zones; 7) provide written recommendations as appropriate to ensure technically valid approaches are employed in the trials phases of the household chlorination initiative; 8) prepare a report attaching laboratory trial procedures findings and recommendations. This study was initiated as part of the Household Chlorination strategy within the Lao People's Democratic Republic Cholera and Diarrhoeal Disease Control Action Plan. It aims to provide technical guidance regarding hypochlorite production, evaluation and dosification for point-of-use chlorination field trials, particularly in Sekong. The study centres around the Aquachlor on-site sodium hypochlorite generators purchased by WHO and BTC for field trials.Production and Evaluation - Both Nam Saat Vientiane and Sekong Ministry of Health Staff are competent at producing hypochlorite using the Aquachlor units. Nam Saat Vientiane Staff are competent at both titration and dilution evaluation as well. Some additional equipment is required to optimise production and evaluation the Sekong Laboratory.Given that the production technique is good, quality of future hypochlorite produced will be dependant on the quality of the salt and production water used.The Aquachlor AC25 unit can only produce 32 litres of hypochlorite per day limiting the total number of households that can be sustained by the unit. This number could be increased if the shelf life can be extended beyond 1 month.