Research

IMPROVING WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE IN SCHOOLS

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Schools is a component of the UNICEF Child-Friendly, Equitable and Quality Basic Education programme (see the separate briefing note). WASH in Schools provides safe drinking water, improves access to and maintenance of clean, gender-friendly and inclusive sanitation facilities and promotes hygienic behaviours and lifelong good health. WASH in Schools enhances the well-being of children and their families. It contributes towards healthy and secure school environments that can protect children from illness, abuse and exclusion.

Protection of children's rights requires a healthy environment. Every child has the right to survive, grow and develop. Access to safe water and basic sanitation is vital for the realization of each of these rights.

Basic sanitation is necessary for children's health, safety and development. Without access to sanitation facilities, including clean water and toilets, and without hygienic practices like handwashing with soap, children may get sick. Lack of sanitation can impact their development potential.

The overall WASH objective for UNICEF is to contribute to the realization of children's rights to survival and development through support to national programmes that increase equitable and sustainable access to, and use of, safe water and basic sanitation services and promote improved hygiene.