Water, sanitation and hygiene
By undertaking applied research, producing publications and hosting forums, IWC aims to increase the capacity of practitioners to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals and reduce morbidity and mortality from WASH-related diseases.
In addition to working with Australian-based non-government organisations (NGOs) and research organisations to share WASH knowledge, IWC continues to enhance Australian-based sanitation and water initiatives overseas through membership of the Australian Water and Sanitation Reference Group, and the international initiative Sanitation and Water for All.
Example project
WASH conference 2011
In 2011 practitioners and professionals from governments, donors and NGOs, students and academics, came together to discuss one of the greatest challenges to the water, sanitation and hygiene sector - sustainability.
The IWC hosted the WASH conference and training program, which focused on WASH services provision in developing countries including water supply systems, household toilets and sanitation facilities in public and shared areas, and hygiene promotion from community-based to campaign approaches.
Impacts
The exchange of knowledge among practitioners led to increased understanding of the sector, current challenges and best practice approaches. It also increased the profile of WASH, providing a platform for highlighting achievements relating to WASH and raising the critical challenges and potential solutions.
Click here for presentations, conference report and other information from WASH 2011
Example project
Sharing experiences: Effective hygiene promotion in South-East Asia and the Pacific
This publication addresses the question: what makes hygiene promotion work? The answer is guided by keynote papers, and project case studies examining hygiene promotion ranging from large national campaigns to promotion in remote island communities. Case study authors are from various organisations: governments, local and international NGOs, and small and large donor programs. They offer practical learnings and tools, and describe projects implemented in the region—what has worked, what has not, and what was learnt.
Impacts
The publication was disseminated in conjunction with learning workshops in Australia and the two target regions, sharing the findings among WASH and public health practitioners.
Example project
NGO Partnerships and Capacity Building in the WASH Sector (AWRF)
This study developed a strategic approach for AusAID to engage with NGOs in the WASH sector. It involved an assessment of engagement mechanisms and a plan for expanded NGO activities, including a rapid assessment of NGO pipeline plans and indicative capacity to absorb additional activities presented country by country.
The study also considered practical ways to support capacity development in the WASH sector and opportunities for partnerships between utilities in developing countries, and Australian state and local government agencies.
(photo courtesy of B.Powell)
Impacts
Recommendations were made to AusAID and these findings were used in a subsequent call for NGOs working in the WASH sector.
Indicative publications
Key partners
- AusAID
- WaterAid
- Australian Water Association (AWA)
- Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology, Sydney
