It involves a wide range of stakeholders, and it essentially facilitates a detailed assessment and analysis of the current performance of the WASH sector regarding policy, strategy, regulations, financing, institutional set-up, coordination, monitoring, review and learning, and capacity development. One of the tools utilised by UNICEF to analyse the environment is a WASH Bottleneck Analysis Tool (BAT). Additionally, the availability of up-to-date WASH data to inform evidence-based planning, targeting, and programming remain a critical bottleneck.
Stunting, which is directly influenced by poor sanitation and hygiene practices, remains high at 33%. The prevalence of open defecation is at 30% at the national level and 38% in the rural areas. In Lesotho, access to improved water facilities sits at 84% of which rural areas lag behind at 77% (DHS 2014). Among the programming approaches identified in the strategy include strengthening enabling environments, utilising evidence to promote child rights, leveraging sustainable financial resources, and building sustainable markets UNICEF 15 year WASH Strategy 2016-2030 focuses on meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a focus on targets 6.1 and 6.2 (safely managed WASH), 6a and 6b (community participation and financing), and 4a (WASH facilities in schools). During the implementation of UNICEF Strategic Plan 2018-2021, UNICEF seeks to further improve its global WASH programme through strengthening its support to governments worldwide to meet their WASH objectives.
UNICEF overall objective in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) is to contribute to the realisation of children rights to survival, growth, and development through support to programmes that increase equitable and sustainable use of safe drinking water and basic sanitation and promote improved hygiene. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.