In a collaborative effort, the Global Water & Sanitation Center (GWSC), AIT, and Athena Infonomics recently hosted a transformative workshop from January 10-12, 2024, on ‘Planning a Citywide Inclusive Sanitation Service Using EquiServe Tool.’ Supported by key partners like ESAWAS and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the tool aims to guide leaders and development actors in achieving safe access and maximum impact.
Fifty-six participants, spanning government, research, NGOs, and the private sector, gathered from 10 countries across South and Southeast Asia, East and West Africa, and Southern Africa. The workshop recognized the pivotal role of sanitation professionals, equipping them with the EquiServe tool to assess, iterate, and develop comprehensive plans for sanitation service improvements.
The workshop emphasized the need for maintaining a robust sanitation services database. It showcased how the Equiserve tool aids in designing end-to-end sanitation service plans. With diverse representatives from countries like Bangladesh, India, Zambia, Nepal, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, and Uganda, the workshop fostered a rich exchange of ideas, underlining the universal applicability of the EquiServe tool.
The 'Workshop on Planning a Citywide Inclusive Sanitation Service Using EquiServe Tool' served as a dynamic platform for empowering sanitation professionals globally. By providing essential tools and insights, the workshop aimed to catalyze positive change and foster a collective commitment to advancing equitable sanitation services worldwide. The ripple effects of this collaborative effort are poised to create a lasting impact on the sanitation landscape, ensuring a cleaner, healthier, and more inclusive future for communities worldwide.