The WASH Digest Newsletter - Oct 2024 edition
WASH Digest: Deep Insights into Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
Welcome to the latest edition of the WASH Digest, where we highlight significant achievements and new developments in the water, sanitation and hygiene sector.
This edition focuses on monitoring indicators and frameworks, including:
Don’t forget to subscribe and share to help spread knowledge and make an impact!
1. WORLD WATER WEEK 2024 - Latest WASH Innovation from SATO
At World Water Week 2024 in Stockholm (25 - 29 Aug), SATO - a part of LIXIL - showcased their latest innovation - the SATO Pit liner - which received great feedback, as well as their new marketing initiative, the SATO Shop.
During the event, the joint LIXIL and UNICEF session on the '5 Key Lessons for Strengthening Sanitation Markets', provided a comprehensive overview of the “Make a Splash! (MaS!) ” initiative*.
Through an engaging and interactive session, they highlighted how LIXIL and UNICEF navigated the journey of market strengthening to tackle the global sanitation crisis. The session employed immersive storytelling, role plays, and videos, emphasizing the invaluable lessons learned for incorporation into new or existing sanitation market strengthening initiatives. In this dynamic session, 5 key lessons were weaved together into a captivating story, with the following points:
1. Beyond Supply and Demand: Discover how the partnership delved deeper than traditional approaches, addressing critical factors such as finance, implementation of regulations and information.
2. Public-Private Promotion: Explore the power of blending public health initiatives with private sector incentives to create sustainable demand for sanitation solutions.
3. Market Fragmentation: See how innovative strategies bridged gaps in fragmented supply chains, connecting rural consumers to essential sanitation services.
4. The Role of Finance: Learn how strategic use of public finance complemented commercial investments, catalyzing progress towards universal access to safe sanitation.
5. Navigating Regulatory Challenges: Explore the partnership's journey in identifying and overcoming regulatory barriers, paving the way for more efficient sanitation markets.
Throughout the session, SATO fostered dialogue and shared insights on how to replicate the ‘Make a Splash!’ success in diverse contexts worldwide.
To watch a recording of the talk, click here
Recommended by LinkedIn
* MaS! Partnership: This shared-value partnership between LIXIL and UNICEF has transformed sanitation and hygiene for 12.7 million people since 2018. This year, as they mark five years of transformative impact through the MaS! Partnership, their insights and lessons learned are encapsulated in a comprehensive five-year learnings report.
> Download the Full / Summary report here.
2. WASH Sector Funding Concerns
The latest report on WASH sector funding gaps for the Rohingya response highlights a critical shortfall in resources, with only 45% of the Joint Response Plan (JRP) request for 2024 secured as of July. This funding gap has severe implications for the delivery of essential WASH services, particularly in the areas of hygiene items, safe drinking water, and the operation of sanitation facilities. The report underscores the urgent need for additional funding to meet the basic hygiene needs of the Rohingya refugees and host communities. Key priorities include the provision of soaps and menstrual hygiene kits, which are essential for maintaining dignity and preventing gender-based violence. The lack of adequate funding has already led to a reduction in WASH assistance, with hygiene items being provided at half the recommended levels according to SPHERE Standards. Moreover, the report highlights concerning trends in WASH indicators, including a significant decrease in the safety of women using latrines at night and a drop in the availability of menstrual hygiene kits. The deteriorating WASH conditions have also contributed to an increase in waterborne diseases such as cholera, dengue, and scabies.
Read more here.
3. NEW RESOURCE HUB | Mpox in Humanitarian WASH Response
On August 26, 2024, The Global WASH Cluster (GWC) launched a new resource hub dedicated to Mpox in humanitarian WASH response. This initiative, supported by UNICEF and the GWC Hygiene Promotion Working Group, aims to provide comprehensive resources and guidance on managing Mpox in humanitarian settings. The resource hub was developed following an extensive desk review of Mpox resources conducted in August 2024.
The hub contains a wealth of information, including key guidance documents, best practices, and case studies shared by various partners. It is designed to be a one-stop resource for public health and emergency practitioners, WASH professionals, and GWC members. The hub is regularly updated with the latest documentation and guidance on Mpox and WASH in humanitarian contexts.
One of the key features of the resource hub is its collaborative nature. Partners and practitioners are encouraged to contribute by submitting their content, ensuring that the hub remains a dynamic and up-to-date resource. This collaborative approach not only enhances the quality of the information available but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility among WASH professionals. Read more here.
—
Thank you for joining us on our journey towards creating a better future for sustainable homes. We value your input and ideas as we strive to make better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere.
💡 We'd love to hear your insights and suggestions - share your thoughts on safeguarding our drinking water, addressing the global sanitation crisis, and embracing environmentally friendly home trends and designs.
👓 If you find our content inspiring, support us by leaving your comments and sharing it with your followers.
✅ Remember to subscribe to the WASH Digest for the latest news, updates, and trends in sustainable living.
Together, we can pave the way for a greener, healthier, and happier world!