The Vital Role of WASH Professionals in Public Health and Community Resilience
As the world grapples with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the critical importance of skilled water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) professionals has become increasingly evident. WASH workers play a vital role in safeguarding public health, preventing the spread of infectious diseases, and supporting the overall resilience of communities. However, the WASH sector has long faced significant shortages of qualified personnel, hampering its ability to deliver essential services and achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 of ensuring universal access to safe and affordable water, sanitation, and hygiene.
This article delves into the urgent need to invest in the human resource capacity of the WASH sector, exploring the multifaceted benefits of strengthening the WASH workforce and the strategies required to address the prevailing capacity gaps.
Recognizing the Interconnectedness of WASH and Public Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the inextricable link between WASH and public health. Proper handwashing, access to clean water, and adequate sanitation facilities are critical in preventing the transmission of the virus and reducing its impact on communities. WASH workers, alongside their healthcare counterparts, have been at the forefront of the pandemic response, ensuring the availability of these essential services.
“If the current COVID-19 climate has taught us anything, it is that strengthening the resident capacity of WASH service providers is not just essential to maintaining communities’ health and stability; it is a matter of urgency.” – Joanne Kihagi, Communications Specialist, WALIS
Furthermore, research has shown that investing in WASH infrastructure and services can have a ripple effect, positively impacting various sectors, such as education and the economy. Improved WASH conditions contribute to better overall public health, leading to increased school attendance, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced economic productivity.
Addressing the Capacity Gaps in the WASH Sector
Despite the vital role of WASH professionals, the sector has long faced significant shortages of skilled personnel. A survey conducted by the USAID-funded Water for Africa through Leadership and Institutional Support (WALIS) project in 2017 revealed several key challenges:
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Insufficient Investment in Recruitment, Education, and Skills Development: Low levels of investment in these areas have resulted in a dearth of qualified WASH professionals, making it difficult to sustain WASH interventions and meet the growing demand for WASH services.
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Mismatch Between Training and Workforce Needs: The survey found that to meet the current and projected demand for training, it is necessary to go beyond formal degree-based education and offer “just-in-time” training opportunities on specific topics or skills.
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Challenges in Attracting and Retaining WASH Professionals: The WALIS survey highlighted the need to invest in the human resource (HR) needs of the WASH sector, including increased HR financing for capacity-building, to attract and retain newly qualified and experienced WASH professionals.
To address these capacity gaps and strengthen the WASH workforce, a multi-pronged approach is required, incorporating strategies for recruitment, education, and ongoing professional development.
Investing in WASH Workforce Development: A Holistic Approach
Strengthening the WASH workforce capacity demands a comprehensive strategy that encompasses various elements:
1. Increase Funding for WASH Education and Training
Substantial investment in WASH-focused educational programs, both at the university and vocational levels, is crucial. This includes expanding access to degree programs, technical training, and specialized courses that equip aspiring WASH professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills.
Beyond formal education, the WALIS survey emphasized the importance of “just-in-time” training opportunities. These short, targeted training sessions can help current WASH workers develop specific competencies and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field.
2. Enhance Recruitment and Retention Strategies
Attracting and retaining qualified WASH professionals require multifaceted efforts. This may involve:
- Offering competitive compensation and benefits packages
- Providing opportunities for professional development and career advancement
- Fostering a supportive work environment that values the contributions of WASH workers
- Implementing succession planning and knowledge management strategies to ensure the transfer of institutional knowledge
Addressing the HR needs of the WASH sector is crucial in building a capable and sustainable workforce.
3. Foster Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
Strengthening the WASH workforce also involves facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange among practitioners, researchers, and policymakers. This can be achieved through:
- Organizing regular conferences, workshops, and networking events
- Establishing online platforms for WASH professionals to share best practices, lessons learned, and innovative solutions
- Encouraging partnerships between academic institutions, government agencies, and WASH service providers to foster cross-pollination of ideas and resources
By cultivating a vibrant community of WASH experts, the sector can leverage collective knowledge and expertise to tackle complex challenges more effectively.
4. Integrate WASH into Broader Public Health Initiatives
Given the intrinsic connection between WASH and public health, it is essential to integrate WASH programs and workforce development efforts into broader public health strategies. This can include:
- Incorporating WASH components into pre-service and in-service training for healthcare workers
- Aligning WASH workforce planning with national public health workforce development plans
- Facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration between WASH and public health professionals to devise holistic solutions
By strengthening the synergy between the WASH and public health sectors, communities can benefit from more comprehensive and effective service delivery.
Investing in the WASH Workforce: A Matter of Urgency
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical role of WASH professionals in safeguarding public health and community resilience. As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing crisis and strives to achieve the SDG 6 targets, investing in the human resource capacity of the WASH sector has never been more crucial.
By implementing a comprehensive strategy that addresses education, recruitment, retention, and cross-sector collaboration, the WASH sector can develop a skilled, motivated, and responsive workforce. This investment will not only improve the quality and sustainability of WASH services but also contribute to broader public health goals, creating a more resilient and prosperous future for communities worldwide.
As the Joint Action for Water blog reminds us, “strengthening the resident capacity of WASH service providers is not just essential to maintaining communities’ health and stability; it is a matter of urgency.” The time to act is now.
