Understanding the WASH Response to COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan Africa: Madagascar Case Study

In response to this crisis, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) tasked the Water for Africa through Leadership and Institutional Support (WALIS) Program to investigate the coordination, finance, monitoring, and organizational capacity that influenced the WASH response to the pandemic. The study focused on Madagascar, a country in Sub-Saharan Africa, to examine the WASH response to COVID-19. The research aimed to provide valuable information on the critical WASH responses undertaken by African country leaders during the pandemic, the decision-making processes behind these responses, and the degree to which evidence informed these decisions. The study also sought to identify lessons that can be drawn to inform a better response to future crises and to build back better. The research questions guiding the study were: What official acts were effectively employed by governments and utilities to respond to the COVID-19 crisis? What other measures have governments, utilities, and other African WASH organizations used to respond to the COVID-19 crisis? And, why were these official acts and other measures effective or perceived to be effective in the response to the COVID-19 crisis, and how could they be leveraged to support a better response to future crises? The study involved a comprehensive review of literature, key informant interviews, and surveys to gather data on the WASH response to COVID-19 in Madagascar. The research findings highlighted the importance of coordination, finance, monitoring, and organizational capacity in the WASH response to the pandemic. In terms of coordination, the study found that the National Committee to Fight against Major Epidemics (CNLEM) played a crucial role in coordinating the national response to COVID-19. The CNLEM worked closely with other ministries, regional authorities, and service providers to ensure a coordinated response to the pandemic. The study also highlighted the importance of coordination with regions and communes, as well as with service providers, in the WASH response to COVID-19. The study found that finance was a critical factor in the WASH response to COVID-19. The national budget and funding for WASH were increased to support the response to the pandemic. The study also highlighted the importance of WASH funding and WASH and health funding in supporting the response to the pandemic. Monitoring was another critical factor in the WASH response to COVID-19. The study found that the National Monitoring System played a crucial role in tracking the WASH response to the pandemic. The system used the 5W framework (Who, What, Where, When, and for Whom) to monitor the response to the pandemic. Rapid evaluations and WASH and health data were also used to monitor the response to the pandemic. Organizational capacity was also critical in the WASH response to COVID-19. The study found that community agents, hygiene agents for COVID Treatment Centers (CTCs), and Department of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (DEAH) and Regional Department of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (DREAH) played important roles in supporting the WASH response to the pandemic. The study concluded that the WASH response to COVID-19 in Madagascar was influenced by a range of factors, including coordination, finance, monitoring, and organizational capacity. The study highlighted the importance of these factors in supporting a coordinated and effective WASH response to the pandemic. The study also identified lessons that can be drawn to inform a better response to future crises and to build back better. The study's findings have implications for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers working in the WASH sector in Africa. The study highlights the importance of coordination, finance, monitoring, and organizational capacity in supporting a coordinated and effective WASH response to the pandemic. The study also identifies areas for improvement and provides recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers working in the WASH sector in Africa. The study's findings can inform the development of policies and programs that support a coordinated and effective WASH response to future crises. The study's recommendations can also inform the development of capacity-building programs for WASH practitioners and policymakers in Africa. The study's findings can also inform the development of research agendas that focus on the WASH response to future crises in Africa. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the WASH response to COVID-19 in Madagascar and highlights the importance of coordination, finance, monitoring, and organizational capacity in supporting a coordinated and effective WASH response to the pandemic. The study's findings have implications for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers working in the WASH sector in Africa and can inform the development of policies, programs, and research agendas that support a coordinated and effective WASH response to future crises.