A new project has been undertaken to deal with blockages in context based WASH sector at national and regional level. It will be led by the WaterAid–SNV consortium and funded by UK International Development under the UK Government.
On Saturday (October 26), the development organization Water Aid organized the launch workshop of the “Wash System for Health” project at Pan Pacific Sonargaon in the capital.
The aim of the project is to deal with blockages in the context-based WASH sector at the national and regional levels in Bangladesh. These include strengthening local government systems through government planning, monitoring and regulation, community engagement, encouraging women’s leadership, developing flexible infrastructure and professional service models for rural water supply and urban sanitation, and using project learning to influence national policies.
Speaking as the chief guest at the workshop, Engineer Tushar Mohan Sadhu Khan, Chief Engineer, Directorate of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) said, We must strengthen the healthcare system at the upazila level. The challenges in the project area are quite complex and I hope the project will play an important role in finding a possible solution to bridge the gap between the country’s health and WASH systems. That is why it is important to focus on the sustainability of our built infrastructure and work to change behavior among people.
Dr. WaterAid South Asia Regional Director. Md. Khairul Islam said, we must integrate the health system and WASH systems with each other. Resources should be allocated equitably and safe wash services should be ensured from health clinics, complexes and hospitals at the upazila level.
British High Commission Dhaka’s Health Portfolio Lead Rashid Zaman said, “While we have achieved significant health progress during the Covid-19 pandemic, we must continue to strive and ensure sustainability in health and WASH outcomes.” The recent unprecedented flood crisis has once again highlighted the importance of WASH and thus the imperative of mutual cooperation to advance our efforts.
Dr. Line Director of Hospital Services Management under the Department of Health Services (DGHS). Md. Zainal Abedin Tito said that safely managed sanitation is not just about good toilets; Besides, it is also a matter of proper waste management. We must help people understand that safe drinking water and sanitation are crucial to preventing diarrheal diseases and maintaining hygiene in building a healthy Bangladesh.
It was informed in the event that there is a comprehensive WASH policy in Bangladesh. Yet local governments face significant obstacles. Such as lack of resources, inadequate capacity, lack of female leadership and ineffective service delivery models. Despite significant progress in basic services, the journey towards safely managed WASH is alarmingly slow. Only 61% have access to safe water and 20% have access to safe sanitation.
‘WASH System for Health’ project will aim to address the challenges of developing safe water and sanitation services in Paikgacha and Lalmonirhat, two climate vulnerable areas, thereby reducing preventable maternal and child mortality from WASH-related diseases.
Regional Director of WaterAid South Asia was present as a special guest. Md. Khairul Islam, WaterAid Bangladesh Country Director Hasin Jahan, British High Commission Dhaka Health Portfolio Lead Rashid Zaman, Policy Support Branch Deputy Secretary Swee Min Zhao, Bangladesh National Nutrition Council Office under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Director General (in charge) Dr. Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman and the line director of hospital services management under the Department of Health Services (DGHS). Md. Zainal Abedin Tito.
Also present were the officials of the local municipality, several I/NGOs, individuals from the private sector and the consortium organization, SNV Bangladesh.
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