Laying the Foundation for Sustainability of WASH in Healthcare Facilities: Three-Stage Dialogues

Among these services are the provision of safe drinking water, toilets, and handwashing facilities with running water and soap accessible to all. Between 2016–2024, USAID’s Health and Hygiene (Swachchhata) Activity (HHA) supported 181 healthcare facilities across seven districts in the mountainous regions of midwestern Nepal to construct and rehabilitate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in HCFs. Prior to these interventions, HHA engaged local stakeholders in a three-stage participatory dialogue process to ensure sustainability of WASH facilities post-construction. This learning brief explains the steps taken during the three-stage dialogue process and the lessons learned along the way.