South Asia workshop: Sanitation and hygiene programmes must reach the poor

Participants at the South Asia Sanitation and Hygiene practitioners’ workshop in Bangladesh from 29 to 31 January 2008 identified five priority messages they will push in 2008:

• Sanitation and hygiene programmes must reach the poor and this is what should guide partnerships.
• More policy focus and funds are needed for urban sanitation for the poor.
• Local government and communities are in highest need for capacity building to sustain sanitation services.
• Needs of differently-abled people must be incorporated to achieve sanitation for all.
• The issue of manual scavenging must be recognised and addressed.

The workshop jointly organised by IRC, WaterAid and BRAC brought together 53 practitioners working in South Asia, including those with specific experience in Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan Bhutan and Vietnam. They work for a wide range of organisations, including partner NGOs of IRC, WaterAid and BRAC as well as WaterAid country staff.