Inclusive WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene)
Safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene play a pivotal role in human health and well-being. Likewise, poor sanitation, poor hygiene practices, and lack of potable water have serious consequences on the health of a population, which can lead to health impairments, including diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera and NTDs such as Trachoma, Soil-Transmitted Helminths, and Schistosomiasis. In vulnerable communities, untreated excreta may contaminate ground and surface waters used for various purposes.
WASH intervention aims to facilitate access to clean and safe water and to promote good hygiene practices among community members actively including persons with disabilities. The universal access design of WASH facilities provides unhindered access to persons with disabilities because of the ramps and closeness to the water point. HANDS implements WASH activities using Community-Led Total Sanitation strategy (CLTS), in line with the National Water Resources Policy and National Open Defecation Free (ODF) guidelines to achieve universal access to basic water services and sanitation in rural areas. Effective WASH interventions could address issues relating to Trachoma elimination, STH, and limb care.
Drawing from the 2030 NTDs elimination roadmap, CBMG and HANDS, in collaboration with the FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), NTDs Unit, and Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), conducted comprehensive training programme for the local artisans.
This initiative focuses on the rehabilitation of boreholes, construction of accessible platforms for the elderly and persons with disabilities, as well as, community triggering for the community members, establishment of inclusive WASH committees (WASHCOM), and formation of inclusive WASH clubs in schools. These activities have been yielding numerous benefits, including behavioural changes shown in the positive shift in sanitation, and improvement in the maintenance of community WASH facilities. The project uses the existing NTD structures by engaging Community Drug Distributors (CDDs) as part of the WASHCOM members. These WASHCOM members monitor the water points as well as encourage the promotion of good hygiene, sanitation practices and maintenance of these water points in their respective communities.
Furthermore, the access to safe drinking water through the empowered artisans who have rehabilitated boreholes and constructed inclusive platforms (ramps), has become widespread. The partnership between CBMG, HANDS, and RUWASSA has made significant strides in promoting sustainable access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene, with a specific focus on disability inclusion. These efforts not only contribute to the prevention of waterborne diseases and NTDs but also foster positive changes in community behaviour and the establishment of essential infrastructure for improved public health and well-being. Through this, the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the WASH programme is ensured.
