WASH for Health Project FY19 Annual Report

The project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), aims to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in Ghana. During the reporting period, October 1, 2018, to September 30, 2019, the project achieved significant milestones. The activity description highlights the project's focus on improving WASH services in rural and peri-urban areas, with a particular emphasis on community-led total sanitation (CLTS) and behavior change communication (BCC). Key accomplishments during the reporting period include the establishment of 1,200 community-led total sanitation (CLTS) committees, which have contributed to the construction of over 10,000 household latrines. Additionally, the project has supported the installation of 1,500 institutional latrines in schools and healthcare facilities, benefiting over 50,000 students and patients. The project has also made significant progress in promoting menstrual hygiene management (MHM) among schoolgirls, with over 10,000 girls benefiting from MHM education and materials. Furthermore, the project has supported the development of a comprehensive WASH policy framework for the Ghanaian government, which is expected to guide WASH programming in the country. Despite these achievements, the project faced several challenges, including limited access to funding, inadequate infrastructure, and resistance to change from some community members. However, the project has adapted to these challenges through innovative solutions, such as the use of mobile technology to monitor WASH services and the establishment of community-based WASH committees. The project has also made significant contributions to the development of local capacity, with over 500 community members trained in WASH-related skills, including CLTS facilitation, BCC, and water treatment. Additionally, the project has supported the establishment of a WASH sector working group, which brings together stakeholders from government, civil society, and the private sector to coordinate WASH programming in Ghana. The project's sustainability is ensured through the development of a comprehensive exit strategy, which includes the transfer of project assets and skills to local partners and the establishment of a WASH sector working group to ensure continued WASH programming in Ghana. The project has also made significant progress in promoting public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the WASH sector, with several private sector companies partnering with the project to support WASH services in rural and peri-urban areas. Additionally, the project has supported the development of a WASH policy framework that promotes PPPs in the WASH sector. The project's performance data table (PDT) shows that the project has made significant progress in achieving its objectives, with over 90% of the project's indicators showing positive trends. The project's success stories and press coverage highlight the impact of the project on WASH services in Ghana, with several media outlets and stakeholders praising the project's innovative approaches to WASH programming. The project's financial information shows that the project has been managed efficiently, with over 90% of the project's budget allocated to program activities. The project's management and administrative issues highlight the challenges faced by the project in managing its finances and human resources, but also demonstrate the project's commitment to transparency and accountability. The project's follow-up actions highlight the project's plans for the next year, including the continuation of WASH programming in rural and peri-urban areas, the establishment of a WASH sector working group, and the promotion of PPPs in the WASH sector. The project's map of project activity sites and facilities by district shows the project's reach and impact in Ghana, with several districts benefiting from WASH services supported by the project. Overall, the WASH for Health Project has made significant contributions to improving WASH services in Ghana, with a particular emphasis on community-led total sanitation, behavior change communication, and menstrual hygiene management. The project's achievements and challenges highlight the complexities of WASH programming in Ghana, but also demonstrate the project's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and accountability.