Water, Sanitation & Hygiene
Bringing improved water sources, latrines and hygienic practices to the most remote communitiesWASH in the DRC
DRC is the most “water rich” country in Africa yet, in rural locations where ASSP works, only 32% of the population is able to access potable water and 17% benefit from suitable water and sanitation devices (EDS, 2013). The lack of adequate available water and sanitation creates a ripple of impacts on the population. Most seriously, water-borne diarrheal diseases drive alarming rates of child mortality, causing an estimated 17% of all child deaths.
IMA aligned with the DRC National Framework of Clean Schools and Villages Program (CSVP) and is committed to sustainably promote better hygiene, sanitation practices, and increase clean drinking water availability in assisted communities. IMA is promoting a mixed approach that involves water and sanitation interventions. This is a community-driven approach and seeks community empowerment and develops capacity in community self-evaluation for development activities.
1,829
WASH infrastructure projects completed from 2013 to 2019
Our Approach to IMproving WASH in the DRC
ASSP increased access and use of potable water and hygienic sanitation by constructing water infrastructure such as community rainwater collection cisterns at health centers, new protected water points, wells with solar water pumps, and distributing toilet tiles for latrine construction to improve access to sanitary elimination.
Key Achievements
clean schools
ASSP supports healthy school programs in 28 health zones. In the last year certified schools increased from 16 to 41. As part of this process toilets and 12,000 liter water cisterns were built to provide water and sanitation for over 20,000 students. A community water filter was also provided to each school.
safe drinking water
327,454 people have been provided with access to safe drinking water sources
infrastructure
In an effort to improve hygienic conditions in health centers, ASSP launched its Centre de Santé Assaini, or Sanitary Health Center program. To date 1,829 WASH infrastructure projects have been completed at assisted health centers, providing the means to keep these centers safe and clean.
adequate sanitation
304,975 people were provided with access to adequate sanitation
COVID-19 Response
As part of IMA’s Covid-19 response efforts, IMA and its partners distributed:
2,172 bottles of liquid soap;
535 handwashing stations;
480 water filters;
890 garbage containers; and
6,950 garbage bags.
Clean Village Program
ASSP’s WASH program implemented a certification process for communities to improve sanitation and hygiene in their villages. In order for a village to be certified “sanitary”, they must have a dynamic and existing village committee, 80% of the population must have access to drinking water, hygienic latrines, and proper methods of garbage disposal, 60% of the population must wash their hands with soap before eating and after being in the toilet, and 70% of the population must know the routes of transmission of waterborne diseases and how to prevent them. Also, the village must be cleaned once per month.
Villages certified Clean
Increasing Access to Health Care
Read more about how ASSP is contributing to improved health by increasing access to health care.
Learn more about our work to provide safe water in the drc
Publications
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
Pilot Initiative: Water ATMs in DRC - June 2022 (pdf)
WASH Program Brochure – September 2019 (English version) (version française)
No Results Found
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
QUICK CONTACTS
Recent Posts
A Hotline In DR Congo Connects People With The Ministry Of Health
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, IMA World Health works with the Ministry of Health to create solutions to challenges that arise while ensuring access to primary health care services for more than 8 million people. One of the solutions created through the Access...
IMA Appears Before British House Of Commons International Development Committee
MA World Health appeared before the British House of Commons International Development Committee to present its UK aid-funded work in the Democratic Republic of Congo.. DFID applauds the work of ASSP In the DRC, UK aid funds the Access to Primary Health Care Project,...
ASSP Project Ensures Health Zones Stay Connected In DR Congo
Who knew that working with information management systems would require the skills of an anthropologist? In a country where internet connection is sporadic, IMA World Health Senior IT Engineer Siméon Avuta travels to the farthest reaches of this vast country to ensure...