Promoting inclusivity for everyone by implementing appropriate WASH infrastructure in schools, anganwadis, and healthcare facilities.
Why WASH in Institutions?
With an increasing number of children enrolling in schools, the need for educational institutions to provide a water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) secure learning environment and hygiene behaviour is essential.
The repercussions of insufficient WASH facilities in schools, anganwadis, and healthcare centres extend beyond the direct impact of illnesses; studies estimate that nearly half of the undernutrition cases are linked to inadequate access to water, sanitation, and hygiene. Diseases such as diarrhoea and parasitic infections hinder nutrient absorption from food, leading to long-term consequences which can be contracted through poor hygiene behaviour. Specifically, undernutrition in the crucial first two years of life results in stunting, causing irreversible damage to the physical and mental development of children. Hence, ensuring robust WASH infrastructure in schools anganwadis, and healthcare centres is not only a matter of immediate health concerns but is intricately linked to the overall well-being and future potential of individuals.
Our approach
WASH in Infrastructure constitutes a fundamental aspect of our core interventions, embodying an integrated approach to ensuring access to clean water, adequate toilets, and proper hygiene for individuals. Our strategy revolves around several components:
- Establishing child-friendly and inclusive facilities that encompass clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene practices.
- Reinforcing mandated institutions like school management committees, school development plans, and operation and maintenance mechanisms.
- Involving students through WASH clubs in schools to impart hygiene behaviour education with a particular emphasis on menstrual hygiene management.
- Providing engagement and technical support to the education department for capacity building, hygiene promotion, and the inclusion of WASH indicators.
Health is the focal point of our comprehensive strategy, guiding research, programmes, policy formulation, and advocacy efforts. We leverage our initiatives to improvise WASH facilities on the premises, recognising them as pivotal health interventions.
- Actively fostering collaboration, we bring together diverse sectors and ministries, encouraging cooperation among stakeholders in WASH, health, education, nutrition, and related fields.
- Emphasising the preventive aspect, our goal is to employ these fundamental resources to prevent diseases and promote overall health.
- Through our collaborative efforts, we aim to contribute to the delivery of quality health services, enhancing well-being on a broader scale.
Inspiring change
Keeping in mind that awareness is crucial in bringing about sustainable change, students and teachers are being sensitised about the importance of hygiene, with a correlation between cleanliness and health underlined.
WaterAid India and AB InBev, however, changed things. Keeping in mind that awareness is crucial in bringing about sustainable change, students and teachers of Mohini’s school were sensitised about the importance of hygiene, with correlation between cleanliness and health underlined. That hygiene played an important role in raising the overall health of the school and can cap absenteeism, was also stressed. To this end, a WASH club was set up with students at the helm of affairs. “I like being part of the WASH club,” Mohini said, “I help students, especially new students understand the importance of hygiene. I monitor students washing their hands.” Evidently, after the students took charge, the toilets are cleaner than before, used by all, and so is the school premise. Students are also more conscious about cleanliness and further spread the lessons learnt at school among their family members at home. Like Mohini, who likes sharing whatever she learns at the club with her parents are her two younger siblings. “I am happy that I am able to teach and make a difference,” the young girl said at the end."Mohini, 10 years old, takes great pride in the fact that she is part of the WASH club in her school in Kurad, a village in Haryana’s Sonipat district. She takes an active part in discussions centring around health and hygiene and in keeping a check on cleanliness among the other students in school.
WaterAid India and AB InBev, however, changed things. Keeping in mind that awareness is crucial in bringing about sustainable change, students and teachers of Mohini’s school were sensitised about the importance of hygiene, with correlation between cleanliness and health underlined. That hygiene played an important role in raising the overall health of the school and can cap absenteeism, was also stressed. To this end, a WASH club was set up with students at the helm of affairs. “I like being part of the WASH club,” Mohini said, “I help students, especially new students understand the importance of hygiene. I monitor students washing their hands.” Evidently, after the students took charge, the toilets are cleaner than before, used by all, and so is the school premise. Students are also more conscious about cleanliness and further spread the lessons learnt at school among their family members at home. Like Mohini, who likes sharing whatever she learns at the club with her parents are her two younger siblings. “I am happy that I am able to teach and make a difference,” the young girl said at the end."An intervention by WaterAid India and AB InBev, however, changed things by developing age-appropriate WASH infrastructure in the school premises to support the students.
Keeping in mind that awareness is crucial in bringing about sustainable change, students and teachers of Mohini’s school were sensitised about the importance of hygiene, with a correlation between cleanliness and health underlined. That hygiene played an important role in raising the overall health of the school and can cap absenteeism, was also stressed. To this end, a WASH club was set up with students at the helm of affairs.
Our school has always had toilets but they were not in a good condition, even the taps didn't have running water which made it difficult for us to wash our hands whenever needed, therefore, many of my friends and other students would complain of stomach ache every other, and not come to school.” Mohini said
Key impact
Appropriate WASH infrastructure in schools, anganwadis, and healthcare facilities is indispensable for fostering overall health, well-being, and developmental outcomes. These facilities ensure access to clean water, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases, and promoting proper hygiene practices.
WaterAid India collaborates with the State National Health Mission on MHM initiatives, provides training and knowledge support to relevant stakeholders, and engages with the Department of Women and Child Development on programmes like UDITA.
Our interventions focus on strengthening Rogi Kalyan Samitis. We also leverage resources from government programmes for WASH infrastructure and promote hand hygiene in healthcare centres through training and outreach programmes.
We initiated the construction of rainwater harvesting models on school premises. We have also integrated WASH into school development plans as well as engaged with school management committees for advocacy and empowerment.
We created child-friendly, age-appropriate infrastructure in Anganwadis to promote hygiene behaviour in children. Batches of Anganwadi and ASHA workers have also been trained to promote basic hand hygiene and menstrual hygiene messages through their sessions with adolescents and community members.
Empowering communities for a better tomorrow
Essential for health, well-being, and development, suitable WASH infrastructure in schools, anganwadis, and healthcare facilities plays a vital role in shaping positive outcomes. By ensuring access to clean water and promoting hygiene practices, these facilities significantly reduce the risk of waterborne diseases. In educational settings, such as schools and anganwadis, robust WASH infrastructure not only enhances attendance by preventing water-related illnesses but also fosters an environment conducive to focused learning. Particularly crucial for girls and women, these facilities support effective menstrual hygiene management, ensuring sustained participation in educational and healthcare activities.
In healthcare facilities, proper WASH infrastructure is indispensable for maternal and infant health, creating a secure and hygienic space for childbirth and postnatal care. The provision of dignified and private conditions, especially in healthcare settings, contributes to a respectful atmosphere for both patients and healthcare providers. Moreover, well-maintained WASH facilities contribute to community health by preventing the spread of diseases. In essence, investing in suitable WASH infrastructure is foundational for sustainable development, resilience, and the advancement of health and dignity within communities