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WASH Program

WATER, SANITATION, AND HYGIENE (WASH) PROGRAM
Promoting Health Through Safe Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

 What is the WASH Program?
The Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Program, coordinated by the NCD Provincial Health Authority, is dedicated to improving the health, well-being, and dignity of the community. The program focuses on ensuring access to safe water, promoting effective sanitation practices, and fostering good hygiene behaviours. It aims to address these fundamental determinants of health, particularly for vulnerable populations like children, through various interventions and infrastructure support. The program’s core activities include:

  • Ensuring an adequate and safe water supply for survival and growth.
  • Promoting sanitation for children’s survival and development.
  • Teaching basic sanitation and hygiene to communities and school children.
  • Advancing gender equality and supporting infrastructure projects.

 Key Benefits
Implementing comprehensive WASH initiatives yields significant benefits for the community:

  • Reduced Incidence of Disease: Prevents the spread of waterborne and sanitation-related illnesses, such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid.
  • Improved Child Health and Development: Protects children from frequent illness, enabling them to thrive, grow, and attend school consistently.
  • Enhanced School Attendance: Improves WASH facilities in schools, contributing to better health and increased attendance rates, particularly among girls.
  • Increased Dignity and Safety: Provides access to private and safe sanitation facilities, which is crucial for dignity and reduces risks, especially for women and girls.
  • Economic Benefits: Reduces healthcare costs associated with preventable diseases and increases productivity as people are healthier.
  • Environmental Protection: Encourages proper waste disposal and waste water management, contributing to a cleaner environment.

 Services Offered

The WASH Program delivers a range of services and support to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions across communities, institutions, and households.

  • Water Access Projects: Supporting the development and maintenance of safe water sources and distribution systems in communities, schools, and health facilities.
  • Sanitation Promotion and Support: Educating communities on the importance of proper sanitation, promoting the construction and use of household latrines, and supporting improved sanitation infrastructure.
  • Hygiene Education Campaigns: Conducting awareness sessions, workshops, and distributing educational materials on key hygiene practices, such as handwashing with soap at critical times, safe water storage, and food hygiene.
  • WASH in Schools Programs: Working with schools to improve water and sanitation facilities and integrate hygiene education into the curriculum.
  • WASH in Health Facilities: Focusing on improving water and sanitation infrastructure and practices within healthcare settings to ensure a safe environment for patients and staff.
  • Infrastructure Development Support: Providing technical guidance and potentially support for community-led WASH infrastructure projects, considering gender perspectives.
  • Community Mobilization: Engaging with communities to identify needs, plan interventions, and promote local ownership of WASH initiatives.
  • Healthy Island Initiatives: Integrating WASH interventions as a core component of broader community-based public health efforts aimed at achieving the goals of the Healthy Island concept, promoting overall community health and well-being through environmental health improvements.

How to Access Services

Access to WASH program services is primarily facilitated through community engagement and specific project interventions. While not typically accessed by visiting a clinic for a direct “service” in the same way as immunization, you can learn about or benefit from the program through:

  • Through programs specifically targeting communities, schools or health facilities in your area.
  • Inquiring at your local Health Centre or Clinic, as they may be involved in coordinating community health and WASH activities.
  • Contacting the NCD Provincial Health Authority for information regarding current WASH initiatives in your area.

 Resources & Downloads

National WASH Policy 2015-2030

https://png-data.sprep.org/resource/png-national-water-sanitation-and-hygiene-wash-policy-2015-2030

UNICEF – Water Sanitation and Hygiene

https://www.unicef.org/png/what-we-do/water-sanitation-and-hygiene