In a celebratory event held on November 21, SNV Bhutan, in collaboration with key local stakeholders, commemorated 15 years of dedicated efforts to enhance water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) across rural Bhutan. This significant milestone underscores the organization’s enduring commitment to delivering safe and sustainable WASH solutions, ensuring improved public health and quality of life for Bhutan’s rural populations.
Established over three decades ago, SNV Bhutan has been a pivotal non-profit partner to the Royal Government, contributing expertise and resources across various sectors including agriculture, renewable energy, and notably, WASH. Over the past 15 years, the organization has been instrumental in fortifying Bhutan’s sanitation and hygiene frameworks through strategic leadership, policy formulation, and effective resource mobilization.
The anniversary event spotlighted the substantial achievements of the past years, ongoing advancements, and a reaffirmed dedication to expanding WASH services. A cornerstone of SNV’s approach has been its people-centered methodology, emphasizing the localization of interventions through social mobilization and behavior change campaigns. This strategy has successfully fostered community ownership of sanitation facilities, leading to lasting behavioral shifts and sustained improvements in hygiene practices.
A critical aspect of SNV’s initiatives has been the integration of Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) strategies alongside the “Leave No One Behind” (LNOB) principle. By adopting a “Do No Harm” approach, the programs have effectively reached and engaged vulnerable groups, including women and individuals with disabilities, ensuring their active participation and benefit from the WASH projects.
Furthermore, SNV implemented a harmonized, subsidy-free model that empowered local governments to prioritize support for the most vulnerable populations. Collaborative partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs), the private sector, and development agencies have bolstered sectoral coordination, enhancing the overall impact of WASH initiatives.
Technological advancements have also played a role in the project’s success. The integration of WASH monitoring systems with the national Health Information and Management System and the creation of the Water and Sanitation Information System (WaSIS) have streamlined data collection and analysis, facilitating informed decision-making and effective program management.
The tangible outcomes of SNV Bhutan’s 15-year endeavor are impressive. More than 215,000 rural Bhutanese now enjoy access to improved WASH facilities, offering enhanced privacy and convenience, particularly benefiting women and children. These improvements have been instrumental in reducing the prevalence of WASH-related diarrheal diseases, thereby contributing to better public health outcomes across the region.
Phuntsho Tobgay, Secretary for the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT), highlighted the program’s success, noting that Bhutan had historically grappled with communicable diseases linked to inadequate sanitation and hygiene. “Since the launch of the rural sanitation and hygiene programme in 2008 under the Ministry of Health, supported by SNV, we have made remarkable strides in improving sanitation. Our focus remains on sustaining these achievements and further advancing sanitation and hygiene standards,” Tobgay stated.
The collaboration between SNV and international partners has been crucial in these advancements. With technical support from SNV and UNICEF, Bhutan has achieved significant progress in disease prevention and health improvement in rural areas through innovative collaborations and strategic interventions.
Carly Partridge, Minister Counsellor of the Australian High Commission in New Delhi, remarked on the celebration’s significance, emphasizing the transformative impact of the projects. “Bhutan has taken extraordinary steps in improving sanitation and hygiene, as well as providing safe drinking water, all of which align with the nation’s commitment to Gross National Happiness. This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved,” Partridge said.
As SNV Bhutan looks to the future, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to extend and enhance WASH services, ensuring that all rural communities in Bhutan have access to essential water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. The 15-year celebration not only honors past accomplishments but also sets the stage for continued progress and innovation in the years to come.
