Ensuring sustainability in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector is crucial to basic healthcare. The availability of clean water, basic sanitation facilities, and good hygiene habits can greatly improve health outcomes and promote general well-being. To achieve this, a comprehensive strategy that addresses the underlying social, economic, and environmental variables affecting access to these fundamental services is necessary.
A primary healthcare WASH program should focus on providing access to clean water, and fundamental sanitation facilities, and promoting good hygiene habits. Active community participation is also essential for long-term behaviour change and sustainable solutions adapted to local situations. To ensure the sustainability of infrastructure and behaviour change initiatives, sustainable WASH programs require long-term planning and funding.
The recently held 2nd annual WASH Open Innovation Fair themed “Innovative Solutions for Sustainable WASH Sector Growth” offered stakeholders the opportunity to explore innovative solutions for the growth and sustainability of the WASH sector in Nigeria. The fair showcased cutting-edge WASH solutions, such as new water treatment and purification technologies, mobile water quality monitoring applications, and neighbourhood-based sanitation and hygiene education programs.
The panel session on financial and policy options organized by WASH sector professionals, government representatives, and development partners was a highlight of the fair. The discussions centred on supporting long-term solutions that can be expanded to assist disadvantaged regions.
The honourable Minister of Water Resources graced the event, showing the government’s interest and involvement in WASH. Overall, the 2023 WASH Open Innovation Fair represented a tremendous advance for Nigeria’s WASH industry, bringing together stakeholders from various sectors to work together on creative solutions that can revolutionize the WASH industry and enhance the lives of millions of Nigerians.
-Rukayyat Sadiq – Procurement Manager
