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WHO and UNICEF: Steps to achieve universal access to safely managed sanitation

The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have launched “Steps to achieve universal access to safely managed sanitation” on World Toilet Day, 19 November 2024.

UN photo/Auzan Ijazah

This new guide provides practical steps for implementing safely managed sanitation services, offering a roadmap for countries to accelerate progress toward safely managed sanitation for all.

The eight steps aim to promote greater alignment of sanitation activities among UNICEF, WHO, and other stakeholders, including UN agencies, civil society, the private sector, and academia.

  1. Assess the situation and build a common understanding of safely managed sanitation
  2. Develop an action plan to achieve safely managed sanitation 
  3. Establish/update policies, legislations, regulations, standards, and guidelines
  4. Finance for safely managed sanitation
  5. Strengthen public data systems
  6. Improve delivery of sanitation services
  7. Strengthen human resources capacity
  8. Monitor, review plans and share learnings

The guide aligns with the Global Acceleration Framework for SDG6, focusing on key accelerators like governance, data, finance, capacity and innovation while promoting alignment and accountability across UN partnerships. It supports initiatives such as the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) partnership, Citywide Inclusive Sanitation and the Climate-Resilient Sanitation Coalition.

  • Explore the resource here
     

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