October 15 is Global Handwashing Day, a global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.
In Fiji in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Habitat for Humanity Fiji and the Water for Women Project are working with water committees in 18 communities in the Ra and Ba provinces in areas of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
Our implementing partner Habitat for Humanity Fiji has been training the community through the use of the Joint Monitoring Program (JMP). The JMP is the international standard for measuring WASH practices and facilities. Developing these committees knowledge of JMP standards has been a key part in empowering them to be able to assess their drinking water sources, community toilets and handwashing and hygiene practices.
The program enables communities to make better-informed decisions and plans with regards to WASH which can potentially decrease the spread of water-borne diseases and improve the quality of their drinking water.
Relevant Government representatives of the district are also involved during community engagement. Pictured above is Filipe Tawakilai (orange shirt) at a sanitation assessment, he was the Acting Sub Divisional Health Inspector of the Ra Province during this engagement.
This project is in partnership with:
