2025-02-19-世界卫生组织-WASH_and_NTD_action_for_social_justice_in_Nepal_2页_2mb

WASH and NTD Collaboration in Nepal

The project Jagruti ("awakening") in Nepal integrated Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) with Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) to improve social justice. Over three years, it focused on 14 wards with an at-risk population of 80,866 people, training 31 women Community Resource Persons (CRPs) and 36 women's group leaders to use a smartphone app for data collection and health promotion. This approach led to significant outcomes, including increased access to safe drinking water (65-90%, via improved facilities), nearly universal toilet usage (88%, with full adoption by most households), and enhanced infrastructure like roads and drainage. Key advocacy efforts influenced local and municipal authorities, resulting in budget allocations and policy changes.

Lessons learned highlight challenges such as limited government funding for WASH, difficulties in achieving Open Defecation Free status despite ongoing issues, and the persistent need for behavior change, particularly among marginalized Dalit communities lacking land or access to individual toilets. Success factors include empowering women as data-driven agents of change, sustained collaboration between communities and duty bearers, and effective advocacy with evidence-based approaches. The project demonstrates that such integrated strategies can lead to lasting improvements in WASH and NTD control.

Key Takeaways:

• Budget constraints and political barriers in WASH funding require multi-level intervention.
• Behavior change and service gaps need continuous monitoring and community engagement.
• Leveraging women's roles in advocacy can amplify impact and ensure equity.