Australian support for inclusive...
Australian government invests in longer-term WASH systems change while reaffirming...
Progressing equitable and universal access to safely managed sanitation and hygiene for 200,000 people across three districts in Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR.
Beyond the Finish Line - Sustainable Sanitation and Hygiene for All in Lao PDR is part of a five-year multi-country programme, which is being implemented by SNV in Bhutan, Lao PDR and Nepal. First developed in 2008, the Australian Aid-funded SSH4A programme in Lao PDR is currently on its second cycle of project funding as part of the Water for Women Fund. It is being led by SNV together with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Institute for Sustainable Futures of University of Technology Sydney (ISF-UTS), together with local partners, CARE, the Gender Development Association, and with technical support from IRC and CBM Australia.
Building on the SSH4A approach since 2008, the project in Lao PDR will contribute to area-wide access and usage of sanitation and hygiene services in the Savannakhet Province districts of Atsaphone, Champhone and Xonbouli. Beyond achieving coverage at household level, the project extends to institutions, e.g., by integrating menstrual hygiene management in schools (and health centres). The project applies a rights-based approach and engages strategically with potentially disadvantaged groups, e.g., ethnic minorities, people living in remote and extreme poverty areas, women, and people with disabilities – to strengthen their voice and leadership, and to create positive role models for households, communities and local institutions.
The SSH4A adjusted, integrated and phased district-wide approach will:
Photo credits: Images taken by Aidan Dockery for SNV in the Savannakhet Province during the earlier days of SSH4A implementation.
National and local government, private sector and CSO strengthen their capacity to develop safely managed sanitation and hygiene services for all
(Sub-)National stakeholders, CSOs and international WASH actors strengthen use of new evidence, innovation, and practices that integrate gender, socially inclusive, and sustainable approaches in safely managed sanitation and hygiene services design
200,000 more people gain access to safely managed sanitation and hygiene services