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Fair access to safe water and sanitation (WaSH) facilities is a significant challenge in Papua New Guinea, particularly in rural areas that do not have WASH infrastructures. Having access to clean and safe water, sanitation and hygiene promotes human health and well-being and therefore is an important element to public health. In 2023, I did my final year undergraduate research on the topic: Understanding how residents of Bangapela Village in Bogia District practices water and sanitation hygiene. The types of WaSH methods used in Bangapela Village in Bogia District were examined through seven (7) in-depth interviews with participants who were above the age of 18, and had a fair understanding of the type of WaSH methods. The general themes identified in this study included factors that exacerbates sanitation and hygiene practices, factors limiting access to basic WaSH services, and traditional WaSH practices. The village relies heavily on traditional WaSH practice that involves surface water harvesting and the use of pit latrines that makes them vulnerable to disease transmission. Bangapela Village still does not have access to safe water and improved sanitation facilities despite WaSH being critical to the enhancement of human health and well-being. The present WaSH conditions in Bangapela Village do not reflect the improved WaSH standards as defined in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The findings also contradict objective 4.6 under KRA 4 of the PNG National Health Plan 2021-2030 on strengthening environmental health to ensure the right to an environment that is conducive and equitable to health and well-being.

NGO WASH FORUM LAUDS HH PARLEY SPEECH, RAISES CONCERN ON SANITATION The Zambia NGO WASH Forum has applauded the milestones related to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) outlined in President Hakainde Hichilema's address during the official opening of the Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly. Forum National Coordinator Bubala Muyovwe-Mumba said the sector is particularly encouraged by the Local Production of Cholera Vaccine which is a significant step towards enhancing Zambia's capacity to respond effectively to cholera outbreaks. "Local production will not only improve access to timely vaccination but also contribute to self-reliance and reduced dependence on external supplies. Relocation of People from Low-Lying Areas: The proactive measure to relocate vulnerable communities from flood-prone areas before the rainy season is commendable. Ms Mumba acknowledged the government's dedication to expanding access to clean water through infrastructure development adding that reliable water supply is fundamental to improving public health and overall well-being. She said embracing innovative water harvesting and climate-smart technologies is crucial for building resilience to climate change and ensuring sustainable water resources for future generations. "Scaling up Completion of Stalled Water Projects: We welcome the renewed focus on completing long-delayed water supply projects," she said. Ms Mumba, however, stated that a significant portion of Zambia's population still lacks access to adequate sanitation facilities, and poor sanitation practices directly compromise water security by contaminating groundwater resources. "Without commensurate investment in sanitation and hygiene, the gains made through improved water supply infrastructure may be jeopardized," she said. On the Water and Energy Nexus, Ms Mumba said the ongoing energy crisis underscores the critical interdependence of the water and energy sectors. "It is imperative to recognize that disruptions in energy supply can severely impact water access and sanitation services. We urge the government to prioritize integrated planning and investments that address the water-energy nexus," she said. The Forum National Coordinator highlighted that while the government's commitments are encouraging, there is need for transparent and accountable prioritization and resource allocation for WASH initiatives in the face of competing demands, especially during this economic crisis. "Completing stalled water projects is a positive step, but we emphasize the importance of sustainable operation and maintenance of water infrastructure to ensure long-term benefits and avoid the recurrence of project delays," she said. Ms Mumba advocated for increased community participation and empowerment in WASH decision-making and implementation processes to ensure that solutions are contextually relevant, sustainable, and meet the needs of the people they serve.

The Urgent Need for Quality Water and Sanitation in Rivers State, Nigeria: Addressing the Escalating Cholera Outbreak. Introduction: Rivers State, Nigeria, is currently grappling with a severe cholera outbreak, exacerbating the urgent need for quality water and sanitation services. Cholera, a waterborne disease, thrives in environments with poor sanitation and contaminated water. Current Situation: Cholera outbreaks are symptomatic of underlying issues in water and sanitation infrastructure. In Rivers State, many communities rely on untreated surface water and private boreholes, which often do not meet health standards. The absence of a dedicated Commissioner for the State Ministry of Water Resources further complicates coordinated efforts to address these issues comprehensively. Recommendations: Rehabilitation of Existing Water Schemes at L.G.A. Level Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Rivers State need immediate rehabilitation of their existing water schemes. Many of these schemes have fallen into disrepair, resulting in inconsistent and unsafe water supplies. Rehabilitation should focus on: Repairing and upgrading water treatment facilities. Ensuring regular maintenance and operation of water supply systems. Installing modern filtration and chlorination systems to ensure water safety. This initiative will require collaboration between state and local governments, as well as engagement with international donors and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) specializing in water and sanitation. Appointment of Commissioner for State Ministry of Water Resources The immediate appointment of a Commissioner for the State Ministry of Water Resources is crucial. This role is vital for: Overseeing the implementation of water and sanitation projects. Coordinating between various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community groups. Monitoring and Registration of Private Boreholes and Drilling Activities Unregulated private boreholes pose significant risks to water quality. Implementing a monitoring and registration system for all private borehole. Provide guidelines and support for proper borehole construction and maintenance. Include regular water quality testing to detect and mitigate contamination. Importance of Good Water Quality to Health, Education, and Other Sectors The provision of clean water is fundamental to public health, education, and overall socio-economic development. Access to safe water reduces the incidence of waterborne diseases, decreasing healthcare costs and improving community well-being. In schools, clean water and proper sanitation facilities ensure that students can attend regularly, free from water-related illnesses. Conclusion: Addressing the cholera outbreak in Rivers State requires a multifaceted approach that includes the rehabilitation of water schemes, the appointment of a dedicated Commissioner for Water Resources, and others. Williams ThankGod,MSc Herts, MSc Uniport, PDG Uniport, B.Tech Futo

Namibia achieves 93% access to improved water supply: Minister of Health and Social Services Kalumbi Shangula says Namibia has made remarkable progress in providing access to improved water supply. He says over 93% of the population benefits from safe water sources. Shangula was speaking during the observance of Global Handwashing Day and World Toilet Day at Otjiwarongo on Monday. Shangula said the country’s success in water provision emphasised the need for continued efforts to improve sanitation. “While we have made significant strides, open defecation and poor sanitation continue to pose challenges, particularly in rural areas,” he said. The observance of the two global advocacy days was aimed at raising awareness of the importance of sanitation and hygiene. “By celebrating these events jointly, we underscore the integral link between hand hygiene and sanitation. They represent two sides of the same coin, which are health and dignity for all,” he said. The theme for this year’s Global Handwashing Day was ‘Why are clean hands still important?’ The World Toilet Day’s theme, ‘Toilets: A Place for Peace’, emphasised the need for safe and private sanitation facilities free from unsanitary conditions or harm. According to the health minister, both themes align with Namibia’s broader objective of improving health outcomes through effective sanitation and hygiene practices. He added that these efforts also echo the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6, which seeks to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. Shangula said achieving the SDGs would be impossible without addressing both water and sanitation. “The linkage is clear: without clean toilets and proper handwashing facilities, achieving these goals is impossible,” he said. Despite the progress in water access, Shangula pointed out that Namibia, like many African countries, faces challenges in sanitation. He said, globally, more than 3.6 billion people lack access to proper sanitation, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for a significant portion of this figure. Namibia, while progressing, still has work to do in reducing open defecation, particularly in rural and informal settlements, the minister said. “Epidemiologically, these deficiencies contribute to the prevalence of water-borne diseases, which are the leading causes of mortality among children under five in Africa,” he said. To address these challenges, the government has developed policies and implemented several initiatives to improve access to water and sanitation across all 14 regions. Shangula said one such initiative is the community-led total sanitation approach, which encourages communities to construct their own sanitation facilities using locally available materials. This initiative has been piloted in the Ohangwena, Kavango East, Kavango West, and…

Nigeria’s Clean Water Crisis: A Call for Sanitation Revolution. Access to clean water and proper sanitation is a fundamental human right, yet in Nigeria, these essential needs remain elusive for millions. As Africa's most populous nation, Nigeria faces a sanitation crisis that threatens public health, economic stability, and sustainable development. The interplay of poor hygienic practices and inadequate infrastructure has culminated in widespread environmental degradation and preventable illnesses, leaving vulnerable populations trapped in a cycle of poverty and poor health. The consequences of poor sanitation and lack of access to clean water in Nigeria are dire. Waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea remain rampant, claiming thousands of lives annually, particularly among children. According to UNICEF, over 70,000 children under the age of five die each year in Nigeria due to water-related illnesses. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for clean water systems and effective sanitation policies to reduce the strain on the country’s fragile healthcare system. Beyond the health implications, poor sanitation has far-reaching economic consequences. Unsafe water and inadequate hygiene cost Nigeria billions annually in lost productivity and healthcare expenses. In rural areas, women and children often spend hours fetching water from distant, often contaminated sources. These challenges limit opportunities for education and economic participation, further entrenching gender inequality and hindering the nation’s progress toward sustainable development. The roots of Nigeria's sanitation crisis can be traced to human behaviour and systemic neglect. Many communities lack awareness of basic hygiene practices, while the absence of strict enforcement of environmental laws exacerbates the problem. Open defecation, which remains prevalent in many parts of the country, contaminates water sources and endangers public health. To combat this, cultural re-education is paramount, alongside investments in sanitation infrastructure. A solution to Nigeria’s water and sanitation challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. Public health campaigns must prioritize behavioural change, promoting hygiene practices such as handwashing and safe waste disposal. Additionally, the government must prioritize investments in clean water infrastructure, particularly in underserved rural areas. International partnerships can also play a critical role, leveraging global expertise and resources to address this pressing issue. Clean water and sanitation are catalysts for societal transformation in Nigeria. By tackling these challenges, the country can reduce preventable diseases, empower marginalized communities, and foster a healthier, more productive population. The time to act is now—ensuring that clean water and sanitation are no longer privileges for the few but rights for all Nigerians.

Water and Sanitation in the Philippines: Status and Challenges Welcome to our article on water supply and sanitation in the Philippines. In this article, we will discuss the current state of water supply and sanitation in the country, the challenges it faces, and what can be done to improve the situation. Current Status The Philippines faces significant challenges in providing clean and safe water to its population. According to the World Health Organization, around 5 million Filipinos lack access to improved drinking water sources, and around 25 million do not have access to improved sanitation facilities. The main sources of drinking water in the Philippines are surface water (such as rivers and lakes) and groundwater. However, these sources are often contaminated with pollutants, making them unsafe for consumption. As a result, many people rely on alternative sources such as bottled water or rainwater harvesting. In terms of sanitation, around 75% of the population in the Philippines have access to improved sanitation facilities. However, open defecation is still practiced in some rural areas, posing a significant health risk. Challe... Read more https://lnkd.in/g3iVsQ_x...

Quercus Group and SARDA are excited to once again welcome you to one of the most significant and ambitious WASH events of the year, I4WASH - KENYA 2024! The goal of the forum is to jointly innovate and move all of us one step closer to eradicate the global #SDG6 challenges that are facing billions of people globally every day. The 4 days WASH marketplace is a highly profiled forum, community, and marketplace for Africa’s innovation community for #WASH – gathering. ?During these days we dive into business models, innovative WASH financing and looks into market based WASH solutions.. We ask. We get insights. We hear about the latest innovations. This forum presents a fantastic opportunity for you to connect with a highly engaged audience relevant to your industry to network, build trust, and find each other in new #partnerships, #enhanceinvestorrelations and #business ventures. Our aim is that everybody leaves I4WASH with more hard and soft capital than when you arrived.? Please register using this link https://lnkd.in/g-p6FC75 . l look forward to having you at the forum. #Kenya Nicolai Sederberg Rottb?ll Michael Sederberg Rottb?ll #SDG6 , #SDG17 Water and Sanitation Providers AssociationRWSN - Rural Water Supply Network Water and Sanitation Entrepreneurs Association Uganda 2030 Water Resources Group REACH | Water Security #SustainableDevelopment #EconomicImpact

As Papau New Guinea ???? moves to celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2025 the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Sector in PNG is still stagnant with its own challenges where Water and sanitation related diseases are one of the leading causes of death for children under five years in Papua New Guinea. Sadly, preventable illnesses resulting from inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene practices claim the lives of children daily. The economic impact of poor sanitation in the country is substantial with an annual loss of over US $7 million due to health complications and death. With over 70% of people ( 5 million) in Papua New Guinea lack access to safe toilets and 60% ( 4 million) people who do not have access to clean drinking water which is a very sad fact that has the socioeconomic influence to our country's gross domestic product (GDP) and Human Development Index (HDI) which placed PNG on a low -medium income country which is now place at the 33 developing country in the world. So let me remind all audience to the platform, " PNG National Water Sanitation and Hygiene Authority Bill (NWSAH) which was brought into picture as early in 2006 by World Bank to foresee a Water Ministry in Papua New Guinea to provide a Ministry who is dedicated to promote Water Sanitation and Hygiene for the all most 10.5 .million people coming our half century (50 years) after independence. Just recently in 2022, 35 new bills were passed by our government without the NWSHA bill which has now widened the gap of basic WASH Services delivery by our government which is currently gap-filled by local and international NGOs to promote the basic human right to have access to safe and clean Water. The NWSHA bill has almost 18 years for the Bill to be moved into the national parliament to have it read and resolute by the PNG government to establish the Water and Sanitation Ministry with the replication of 22 Provincial WASH Authority in PNG to provide the Water and Sanitation Service to the 85% rural majority by which only 15% urban population is covered by our statutory Authority WaterPNG. Clean Water and improve Sanitation and hygiene is a key socioeconomic enabler which needs an urgent attention to meet the SDG 6..Water and Sanitation for all by 2030 which PNG is committed to the SDG 6 agenda we needs LEADERSHIP in WASH in our National and subnational government system to collaborate and push for the NWSHA bill to be passed in Parliament after 18 yeas of denial on the basic human right enabler....Water.. Let us all advocate as we approach our 50th Anniversary for a Water Ministry in PNG to have the 22 Provincial Water and Sanitation Authority across PNG to regulate and provide the basic human need so that our communities, schools and health facilities have clean water, safe Sanitation and improve hygiene which is inclusive, equitable for the country!! #leavingnoonebehind! #waterislife #waterisasocioeconomicenabler!#water4all

I just attended an insightful webinar on Purposeful Sanitation Service Delivery, organized by Water,Sanitation and Hygiene Voice for Women (WaSHVoice) and facilitated by Malesi Shivaji from KEWASNET. The discussions resonated deeply with the Ugandan context, prompting several reflections that I would like to share: As the landscape of sanitation services evolves with new players and innovations, there is an urgent need to critically review our approach to standards. Three key questions emerged from the conversation: ???Who bears responsibility for enforcing sanitation standards? ???What role should communities play in implementation? ???How do we ensure compliance while keeping standards simple and understandable? Key Takeaways: ·????????It's essential to communicate sanitation standards during sessions like Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) triggering to foster community understanding and ownership. ·????????There’s a pressing need to review and adapt standards specifically for rural areas, ensuring they are relevant and practical. ·????????Standards for the private sector should aim to exceed current benchmarks to ensure higher quality and accountability. ·????????Public health officers require more support to effectively enforce and implement these standards within communities. A crucial insight I gained is that as we champion innovation in sanitation, we must also prioritize safety standards for sanitation workers and establish robust accountability mechanisms for private operators. I’m left pondering: How can we better bridge the gap between standard-setting and practical implementation in sanitation services? NETWAS Uganda Uganda Water and Sanitation Network (UWASNET) #WASH #PublicHealth IRCWASH

Important findings and conclusions. Maybe a fundamental change in the pricing of toilet services is needed. Why not charge everyone a ?sewage treatment fee‘ irrespective if they are connected to the sewer or not. And then the community is responsible to pay for the piping / sewage treatment or the off-grid sanitation services of emptying / treatment while making the cost of he toilet itself the user’s responsibility. This eliminates the unfair subsidy of the connected clients and levels the playing field for all, just a thought.