WASH Alliance Kenya recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the County Government of Vihiga, marking a significant step towards enhancing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in the region.
This signing of the MOU, officiated by Vihiga County Governor H.E. Dr. Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo, aims to improve the overall health and well-being of Vihiga County residents. The MOU is closely associated with the project titled “Subnational Interruption of Transmission of Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) and Schistosomiasis (SCH) in Western Kenya.”
This initiative specifically targets the transmission of STH and SCH in Vihiga and its neighboring counties—Bungoma, Kakamega, and Trans-Nzoia—while focusing on sustainable WASH improvements and addressing the critical nexus between sanitation and health. Notably, this project is supported by the END Fund, which adds to its potential impact and sustainability.
A variety of key initiatives will be implemented under this partnership. One of the key pillars is capacity building, which involves training community leaders and health staff on WASH and Neglected Tropical Diseases (WASH-NTDs) advocacy. By empowering local leaders and health professionals, the program aims to create a knowledgeable workforce capable of addressing WASH-related challenges.
Jane Njomo, Project Officer, and Tobias Omufwoko, CEO of Wash Alliance, sign the MOU for Vihiga County in the presence of Governor H.E Wilber Ottichilo
Furthermore, the initiative plans to strengthen School Health Clubs to promote hygiene and sanitation awareness among students and their families. This not only benefits the students but also creates a ripple effect, spreading vital health knowledge throughout the community. Emergency response support will also be a critical component, providing timely assistance for WASH-NTDs-related emergencies to ensure the community is equipped to handle urgent health issues. Additionally, research and surveys will be conducted to gather data that will inform future interventions, helping to create a data-driven approach to improving WASH services.
Addressing Neglected Tropical Diseases is another cornerstone of this partnership. A multi-sector coordination approach will be employed, involving collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, and other relevant line ministries. This collaborative strategy aims to create a unified disease control framework that effectively tackles the complex challenges posed by STH and SCH.
H.E Governor Ottichilo poses for a photo with WASH Alliance Kenya representatives and members of his cabinet after signing the partnership MOU
Enhancing WASH infrastructure will also be prioritized, with plans to upgrade water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities to ensure access to safe and reliable resources. Hygiene promotion initiatives will focus on educating communities about effective sanitation practices, thereby reducing the risk of disease transmission. The partnership will further enhance local capacity for sustainable WASH interventions through technical support and the mapping of water points. Finally, advocacy for financial investments in WASH infrastructure, especially in public spaces, will play a vital role in ensuring the long-term success of these initiatives.
The expected impact of this initiative is substantial, with the goal of benefiting approximately 5,260,270 individuals across the targeted counties. By significantly reducing the prevalence of STH and SCH, WASH Alliance Kenya envisions a future where every household in Vihiga County has access to clean water and sanitation, advocating for equity and accessibility in healthcare. This partnership is not just a response to immediate health challenges; it represents a long-term commitment to fostering a resilient, healthy community. By laying the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous future, WASH Alliance Kenya and its partners aim to achieve lasting change, ultimately building a thriving community that will benefit future generations
