National Hygiene Survey 2018

In December 2020, the Bangladesh National Hygiene Survey 2018 full report was launched. The report highlighted the knowledge and practice of handwashing; access to the improved toilet facilities and hygiene services in public places. The findings of the National Hygiene Survey 2018 will help establish government need to consider in investing to WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) programmes and look at progress and challenges and identifying areas where support is needed. 

The National Hygiene Survey 2018 report presents the findings from the data collected across five different components: household, school, health facilities, restaurants and food vendors with objective to allow monitoring of the progress of hygiene related indicators of SDGs, Five Year Plan, Vision 2021 and vision 2041 etc.

The findings in the report demonstrate that, despite the WASH situation has improved over the years, however, still we have to go a long way to change the social norms to achieve SDGs 6.

The report highlight that 40% respondents could mention that they know handwashing using water and soap is necessary before eating. The report findings revealed that 36% adolescent girls knew about menstruation before their first period. While 43% adolescents and 29% adult women use disposable pads during their menstruation.

At school, 39% boys and girls have access to improved, unlocked, accessible toilets that have soap and water available. But sanitary pad disposal bins were available in 22% schools having separate improved toilets for menstrual management purposes. 30% girls reported abstinence from school during their menstruation in last 6 months and on an average, they missed school for 2.5 days. On the other hand, 36% girls reported to receive menstrual health education at school.

The report also captures quantifiable pictures of sanitation facilities and environmental hygiene in restaurants and health facilities as well as hygiene behaviours of food vendors and caregivers. It says that 68% cooks reported to wash hands during the business hours in restaurants.