Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Healthcare Facilities Local Advocacy Initiative, Nepal

Ongoing

Project Partner Society of Public Health Engineers Nepal (SOPHEN)

Project Location Kathmandu

Project Start Date Feb 2025

Description WHO has been providing ongoing support to the GOvernment in ehnahcing Water, Sanition, and Hygiene (WASH) services within communities. In addition, WHO along with other partners, has been assisting in WASH and waste management in healthcare facilities, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Management Division, with limited support, is working towards creating an enabling environment by developing standards for WASH in healthcare facilities (HCFs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Healthcare Waste Management (HCWM). However, such support remains primarily confined to the federal level due to procedural constraints and limited funds available in this sector. 
WHO headquarters has conceptualized the "WASH in HCF Local Advocacy Initiative" project, with Nepal selected as one of the pilot countries. The initiative aims to promote universal WASH coverage by empowering local communities and networks to engage with political leaders responsible for creating policies, laws, regulations, and budgets related to WASH and waste management in their health care facilities.
EcoConcern on collaboration with SOPHEN has been working on this project funded by World Health Organization (WHO) Nepal.

Project Goal: Greater public and political support for WASH in healthcare facilities, driven by targeted advocacy materials and briefings that lead to stronger policy and funding commitments.

Objectives:

  • Facilitate stakeholder dialogue and collaboration to identify and address local and national challenges in achieving universal WASH access in healthcare facilities.
  • Raise awareness and support through tailored advocacy materials and targeted briefings for political leaders, emphasizing the critical role of WASH in healthcare and advocating for policy and funding support.
  • Empower communities and leaders with knowledge and skills on WASH-related laws, budgets, and policies, and strengthen partnerships between community volunteers, civil society, and government entities to enhance WASH services and build on past advocacy successes.