Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) representing a fundamental development sector that aims to ensure universal access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation facilities, and proper hygiene practices. Water refers to access to safe, sufficient, and affordable drinking water sources for domestic use. Sanitation encompasses the safe management of human excreta, including access to and proper use of toilets, and the safe disposal or treatment of wastewater. Hygiene involves practices that prevent the spread of disease, such as handwashing with soap and water, safe food handling, and menstrual hygiene management. Together, these elements are critical for public health, dignity, environmental sustainability, and overall human well-being.
Globally, the WASH agenda is primarily driven by Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which aims to “ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all” by 2030, with specific targets for drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene. While significant progress has been made worldwide, challenges persist in achieving safely managed services and addressing inequalities. In Nepal, the national context reflects remarkable progress, having been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) nationwide in 2019, and achieving high basic access to drinking water. However, disparities remain in access to safely managed water and sanitation services, particularly in remote areas and among marginalized communities. The country’s federal structure places WASH responsibilities at the local level, backed by national policies and strategies that increasingly integrate climate resilience, recognizing that climate change impacts (like altered rainfall patterns and extreme weather) significantly threaten WASH infrastructure and water security.
SIAN play a pivotal role in Nepal’s WASH sector by complementing government efforts and reaching underserved populations. Our work involves direct infrastructure development such as constructing and rehabilitating water supply systems, toilets, and handwashing stations. It promotes hygiene education in schools and communities, emphasizing practices like handwashing and menstrual hygiene management. Furthermore, we contribute by strengthening local governance capacity to plan, implement, and manage WASH services sustainably, ensuring equity and social inclusion by prioritizing access for women, children, people with disabilities, and marginalized groups, and advocating for policies that support long-term WASH sustainability and climate resilience.