Project Highlights
Donor: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)/SWSC
Duration: 01 August 2023– 1 May 2027
Number of Beneficiaries: 150,000 (138,000 in Health Care Facilities and 12,000 in Communities)
Location: Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar
Project Summary
The “WASH in Health Care Facilities – Advocacy for System Strengthening” project, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)/SWSC, aims 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 seeks to benefit 150,000 people by enhancing access to safe drinking water, improved sanitation, and hygiene practices in communities and healthcare facilities, including the construction and rehabilitation of essential infrastructure and the training of healthcare workers and residents in sustainable WASH practices. To ensure long-term impact, the project collaborates with local authorities to develop roadmaps for universal WASH coverage, employs digital tools for real-time progress monitoring, and leverages evidence-based advocacy to influence policy and resource allocation. In addition to that, it integrates climate resilience measures, such as flood-proof infrastructure and preparedness for extreme weather, to safeguard healthcare facilities in a region vulnerable to natural disasters.
Project Goal
The goal of the project is to advance sanitation and hygiene services in both the camp and host communities in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, while strengthening health systems related to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) through innovative solutions and advocacy.
Key Activities and Achievements
- Ensure basic sanitation facilities that are not shared with other households. 200 (of the target of 620) sanitation facilities were successfully completed by December 31, 2024.
- Ensure safe drinking water and functional water facilities in healthcare facilities. Tdh has secured safe drinking water and functional water facilities in 3 healthcare facilities.
- Implement safe waste segregation systems, including at least three bins per facility, and ensure the treatment and safe disposal of sharp and infectious waste. All 51 targeted facilities were achieved by December 31.
- Provide training on management, operation and maintenance of sanitation services to community members. 23 community members (of the target of 100) were trained by December 31.
- Empower community members and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) to take concrete actions to improve WASH condition etc. 24 initiatives (Of the targeted 96 initiatives) were achieved by December 31.