UBI Swiss: Building Healthy Kitchens for Rural Families
At UBI Swiss, we believe in the power of a safe kitchen to transform lives.
We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to building healthy kitchens for families in extreme poverty in Vietnam and Bolivia, giving them a chance to live without the dangers of toxic smoke.
Our Mission
At UBI Swiss, we are dedicated to improving the quality of life for rural families living in extreme poverty.
Our mission is clear: to build appropriate kitchens that reduce toxic smoke in homes and contribute to a healthier and safer environment. We believe that everyone deserves to live in a home free from contaminants that affect their health and well-being.
Our Mission
At UBI Swiss, we are dedicated to improving the quality of life for rural families living in extreme poverty. Our mission is clear: to build appropriate kitchens that reduce toxic smoke in homes and contribute to a healthier and safer environment. We believe that everyone deserves to live in a home free from contaminants that affect their health and well-being.
Why kitchens?
Traditional kitchens that use wood and charcoal emit high levels of toxic smoke, causing serious health problems such as respiratory and eye diseases. Additionally, these practices contribute to deforestation and climate change.
At UBI Swiss, we are committed to addressing this issue by providing safe kitchens that:
Our Solution
UBI Swiss addresses this problem by building suitable and efficient kitchens in rural homes. These kitchens are designed to drastically reduce the emission of toxic smoke and improve ventilation. We use sustainable technologies and materials to ensure that our solutions are durable and environmentally friendly.
Measurement and Monitoring of PM2.5
We understand the importance of measuring the impact of our interventions. That’s why, in each project, we implement monitoring systems to measure PM2.5 levels before and after the installation of the new kitchens. This allows us to assess the effectiveness of our solutions and make necessary adjustments to maximize health benefits for families.
reduce illness reduce respiratory illnesses:
By eliminating toxic smoke, we improve the health and quality of life of families.
Promote sustainability:
Our kitchens use less fuel, contributing to forest conservation.
Empower communities:
We provide training and resources for local communities to maintain and multiply the impact of our kitchens.
The Problem of Toxic Smoke
In many rural communities, families rely on traditional cooking methods that generate high levels of toxic smoke.
This smoke contains fine particles, known as PM2.5, which are extremely harmful to health. Continuous exposure to these particles can cause serious respiratory illnesses, affect child development, and increase the risk of chronic diseases.
What are PM2.5?
PM2.5 refers to suspended particles in the air with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, approximately 30 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair.
These particles can include a mixture of substances such as sulphates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, carbon, mineral dust, and water, among other compounds. Their small size allows them to penetrate deeply into the respiratory system when inhaled, reaching even the pulmonary alveoli.
PM2.5 particles are generated by various sources, both natural and human, including the burning of fossil fuels, industrial activities, wildfires, and agricultural processes.
Why are PM2.5 harmful?
PM2.5 particles are particularly dangerous due to their ability to penetrate the respiratory system and enter the bloodstream.
These fine particles can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and have been associated with an increase in the incidence of asthma, chronic bronchitis, heart attacks, and lung cancer.
Prolonged exposure to high levels of PM2.5 can shorten life expectancy by contributing to the progression of chronic diseases and causing adverse effects on the immune system.
Additionally, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of these particles.
Our Work in Vietnam and Bolivia
In collaboration with local communities, we design and install kitchens tailored to the needs and resources of each region. Our projects focus on:
Evaluation and Planning:
We work with communities to identify specific needs and plan appropriate solutions.
Construction and Installation:
We use local materials and sustainable techniques to build safe and efficient kitchens.
Education and Training:
We offer educational workshops on the use and maintenance of the new kitchens, ensuring their long-term sustainability.
Community Impact
To date, we have transformed thousands of lives in Vietnam and Bolivia. Each installed kitchen not only improves the health of a family but also protects the environment and strengthens community resilience.
Community Impact
To date, we have transformed thousands of lives in Vietnam and Bolivia. Each installed kitchen not only improves the health of a family but also protects the environment and strengthens community resilience.
Join Us
At UBI Swiss, we believe that together we can make a difference. Your support is crucial to bring healthy kitchens to more needy families.
Join us in this mission and be part of the change that transforms lives and builds a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
Spread the Word:
Join our team on the ground and experience firsthand the impact of our work.
At UBI Swiss, we know that together we can build a world where every family has the right to cook without fear of toxic smoke. Join us and be part of the change!
Volunteering:
Join our team on the ground and experience firsthand the impact of our work.
- info@ubiswiss.org
- +41 22 123 4567
