Navigating the Challenges of Disrupted Water and Sanitation Services
In the face of a public health crisis, the water and sanitation sector must adapt quickly to ensure continued access to essential services. When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, it presented unprecedented challenges for neglected tropical disease (NTD) programs worldwide. However, through strategic planning and community engagement, many of these programs were able to resume operations and safeguard vulnerable populations.
The Act to End NTDs | East (Act | East) program, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), worked closely with country NTD programs to develop guidelines and implement strategies that allowed service delivery and surveillance to continue. This article examines the adaptations made by Act | East and its partner countries, exploring how they navigated the uncertainty and complexity of the pandemic to sustain critical water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions.
Confronting Disruptions and Delays
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended a temporary pause in the delivery of preventative chemotherapy and NTD surveillance activities. This posed a significant challenge for countries already struggling to reach marginalized communities and address longstanding WASH inequities.
The Act | East program recognized the importance of maintaining essential NTD services, as disruptions could have serious consequences for public health. By working collaboratively with ministries of health, the program developed guidelines and standard operating procedures that enabled the resumption of mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns and disease surveys.
“We knew that pausing NTD activities could have devastating impacts on vulnerable populations,” explained Dr. Sarah Jones, the Act | East regional coordinator. “Our goal was to find ways to safely continue these critical interventions, while also protecting communities from the spread of COVID-19.”
Adapting Program Operations
One of the key adaptations made by the Act | East program was the development of tailored guidelines for MDA campaigns. These guidelines addressed crucial considerations, such as:
- Ensuring adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers
- Adjusting drug distribution strategies to maintain physical distancing
- Implementing enhanced sanitation and disinfection protocols
- Engaging communities to address fears and encourage participation
“The guidelines were essential in helping countries navigate the complexities of resuming MDA,” said Dr. Jones. “By working closely with local stakeholders, we were able to identify context-specific solutions that addressed both the pandemic and the ongoing NTD burden.”
In addition to the MDA guidelines, the Act | East program also supported the implementation of modified disease surveillance protocols. This included the use of remote data collection methods, such as virtual training sessions and digital reporting systems, to minimize in-person interactions.
Fostering Community Engagement and Trust
Effective community engagement was a crucial component of the Act | East program’s response to the pandemic. Recognizing the importance of building trust and addressing local concerns, the program collaborated with community leaders and health workers to develop tailored messaging and outreach strategies.
“During times of uncertainty, clear and transparent communication is essential,” emphasized Dr. Jones. “We worked closely with communities to understand their fears and concerns, and then developed messaging that addressed those issues directly.”
This approach included the use of local languages, the incorporation of cultural customs and beliefs, and the involvement of respected community figures in the dissemination of information. By fostering a sense of partnership and shared responsibility, the Act | East program was able to encourage greater participation in NTD services and promote long-term sustainability.
Lessons Learned and Future Preparedness
The adaptations made by the Act | East program during the COVID-19 pandemic have provided valuable insights that can inform the water and sanitation sector’s response to future public health emergencies.
One key lesson is the importance of building resilient and adaptable WASH systems. By investing in infrastructure, strengthening supply chains, and enhancing the capacity of local service providers, communities can better withstand disruptions and continue to access essential services.
Additionally, the pandemic has underscored the critical role of community engagement and trust-building. By prioritizing open communication, collaborative problem-solving, and the integration of local knowledge, water and sanitation programs can better navigate complex challenges and ensure the long-term success of their interventions.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has tested the resilience of our water and sanitation systems, but it has also highlighted the importance of adaptability and community-driven solutions,” said Dr. Jones. “As we move forward, we must apply these lessons to strengthen our preparedness and better serve the needs of vulnerable populations.”
By embracing a holistic, community-centric approach to public health emergencies, the water and sanitation sector can play a pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being of communities and building a more resilient and equitable future.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges for the water and sanitation sector, but the adaptations and lessons learned from the Act | East program demonstrate the sector’s ability to navigate uncertainty and complexity. By prioritizing strategic planning, community engagement, and a focus on long-term resilience, water and sanitation programs can continue to deliver essential services and protect vulnerable populations, even in the face of a public health crisis.
As the world confronts the ongoing challenges of the pandemic and prepares for future emergencies, the water and sanitation sector must remain at the forefront of the response. By drawing on the insights and strategies outlined in this article, practitioners can strengthen their ability to manage uncertainty, foster community trust, and ensure the continued provision of safe, reliable, and equitable water and sanitation services.
