In discussions on sanitation and Covid-19, the continuity of long-term sanitation goals throughout and beyond the pandemic is often missing. To respond to this gap, the Sanitation Learning Hub (SLH) and UNICEF hosted a webinar series to share knowledge and experience on ways programmes have changed and adapted.
The two webinars presented examples of initiatives which have continued to pursue long-term sanitation objectives during the pandemic. Successes and setbacks are highlighted by the panellists, along with essential adaptations made to continue and improve efforts.
During the webinars space was also made to reflect on possible future impacts of Covid-19 on sanitation planning, implementation and monitoring.
This 6-page webinar report shares key learning and recommendations from the two webinars.
Recommendations (summary)
- There is a need to further strengthen the role of, and whenever possible transfer decisions and resources towards, local actors and networks, from international actors.
- Safely managed sanitation services represent a powerful mitigation to the risk of future pandemics of diseases that are mainly transmitted via faeces.
- All stakeholders should be open to question the ‘usual ways’ of thinking and doing sanitation.
- Digital communication technologies are valuable but not a stand-alone solution, they need to be integrated with in-person methodologies.
- Placing an emphasis on equity and inclusion remains essential, during and beyond the pandemic, to counter the risk that existing sanitation gaps become wider.
