HEDSO | WASH - Water, Sanitation & Hygiene

Pillar 1: Integrated Health and Wellbeing (HEAL-WELL) - Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions are critical for maintaining public health, preventing waterborne diseases, and promoting overall well-being, especially in HEDSO's 10 targeted counties (Kisumu, Siaya, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Migori, Homa Bay, Kwale, and Tana River). These regions face significant WASH challenges including inadequate water infrastructure, poor sanitation facilities, and limited hygiene practices that disproportionately affect AGYWs, youth, and PWDs in rural sub-counties, fishing communities, and Sugar Belt areas.

Climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts increase disease outbreaks (cholera, malaria, diarrhea) in areas like Tana River, Busia, and Kwale. Inadequate WASH infrastructure undermines health outcomes, especially for menstrual hygiene management among AGYWs and for PWDs with mobility disabilities who face accessibility barriers. According to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), pollution from sugar mills and agricultural runoff has degraded wetlands around Lake Victoria, affecting water quality and livelihoods dependent on fishing and farming.

HEDSO's WASH interventions under the HEAL-WELL pillar aim to ensure AGYWs, youth, and PWDs have good health to achieve their full potential by 2030. Through school-based programs, community health dialogues, integration with climate-smart agriculture initiatives, and advocacy for improved WASH infrastructure, HEDSO addresses the root causes of poor water quality, inadequate sanitation, and harmful hygiene practices. By 2030, HEDSO will reach 13,620+ students with WASH education, strengthen 100 school-based health clubs, and influence county-level policies to prioritize inclusive WASH infrastructure in at least 60% of primary health care facilities and learning institutions.

Key Interventions (2026-2030)

Access to Clean and Safe Drinking Water: HEDSO advocates for strengthening water quality treatment systems and linkage to county water departments to ensure clean water access in schools, health facilities, and communities. This includes water harvesting systems integrated with climate-smart agriculture projects in the 10 targeted counties.
Improved Sanitation Infrastructure: HEDSO promotes sensitization on safe collection, disposal, and treatment of human waste. This includes provision of adequate, disability-accessible toilet facilities in schools and health centers, proper management of wastewater and sewage, and integration of sanitation with environmental conservation initiatives to prevent pollution.
Hygiene Promotion and Behavior Change: HEDSO conducts school-based WASH education reaching 13,620+ students, establishes 100 school-based health clubs, and trains 10,500 Community Health Promoters on hygiene practices. Key behaviors promoted include handwashing with soap, maintaining personal cleanliness, menstrual hygiene management for AGYWs, and proper food handling and preparation.
Inclusive WASH Programming: HEDSO uses Disability Inclusion Toolkits to assess and strengthen WASH service accessibility for PWDs. Community Health Dialogues reduce stigma and build trust around hygiene and sanitation practices, ensuring marginalized groups are not left behind.
WASH and Climate Resilience Integration: HEDSO links WASH interventions with environmental conservation, waste management innovations, and climate-smart agriculture to address water scarcity, pollution, and ecosystem degradation. By 2030, 5,000 households will be trained on waste management from household level, reducing waterborne disease risks.

Pillar 1: HEAL-WELL - Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Objectives (2026-2030)
OBJECTIVES	EXPECTED OUTCOMES BY 2030
Instill positive behavior change in hygiene and sanitation among learners in learning institutions across 10 targeted counties.	✅ 13,620+ students reached with WASH education through school-based forums. ✅ 100 school-based health clubs established with WASH programming. ✅ 80% of students demonstrate improved knowledge on WASH practices (pre/post-test scores). ✅ Healthier individuals with reduced disease risks and improved menstrual hygiene management among AGYWs.
Reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and other infections caused by poor water quality and inadequate sanitation in targeted communities.	✅ Significant reduction in waterborne disease outbreaks in targeted counties (baseline vs. endline data). ✅ 10,500 Community Health Promoters trained on WASH and disease prevention. ✅ At least 100 community free health screening drives conducted with WASH education components. ✅ Improved public health outcomes and healthier population, particularly among AGYWs, youth, and PWDs.
Advocate for improved WASH infrastructure that is inclusive and accessible for AGYWs, youth, and PWDs in schools, health facilities, and communities.	✅ At least 60% of primary health care facilities in targeted counties have disability-accessible WASH infrastructure. ✅ County-level WASH policies influenced to prioritize inclusive infrastructure and menstrual hygiene management. ✅ Integration of WASH standards into youth- and disability-friendly service delivery points. ✅ Healthier communities with reduced mortality rates from preventable waterborne diseases. ✅ Improved dignity and safety for AGYWs and PWDs through accessible sanitation facilities.