WASH in health care facilities – Advocacy for system – Strengthening

Project highlights

Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

150,000 direct beneficiaries

01 August 2023– 1 May 2027

Supported by

Project summary

The “WASH in Health Care Facilities – Advocacy for System Strengthening” project, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)/SWSC, is working to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in healthcare facilities and communities in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Running from August 2023 to May 2027, the project is helping 150,000 people by: Providing safe drinking water, better sanitation, and hygiene education, building and repairing essential WASH infrastructure, and training healthcare workers and residents in sustainable WASH practices. To ensure lasting impact, the project is working with local authorities to create roadmaps for universal WASH coverage, using digital tools to track progress in real time, and advocating for policy changes and better resource allocation. It is also strengthening climate resilience by building flood-proof infrastructure and preparing healthcare facilities for extreme weather.

Project goal

The goal of the project is to improve sanitation and hygiene services in both the camp and host communities in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. It is also strengthening health systems related to WASH through innovative solutions and advocacy.

Key activities and achievements

Providing basic sanitation facilities that are not shared with other households. By December 31, 2024, 200 out of the target 620 facilities are completed.
Ensuring safe drinking water and functional water facilities in healthcare facilities. Safe drinking water and functional water systems are secured in three healthcare facilities.
Implementing safe waste segregation systems, including at least three bins per facility, and ensuring proper treatment and disposal of sharp and infectious waste. All 51 targeted facilities are completed by December 31.
Training community members on managing, operating, and maintaining sanitation services. By December 31, 23 out of the target 100 community members are trained.
Empowering community members and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to take action for better WASH conditions. By December 31, 24 out of the targeted 96 initiatives are completed.