WASHFIT Training: Participants Express Hope of Improved WASH Services in Rural Health Facilities
By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
Key stakeholders from Lere and Kagarko Local Government Areas (LGAs) have completed a four-day intensive training on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Facility Improvement Tools (WASHFIT), a new initiative under the Accelerating Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene for All (ASWA lll) program.
The training, organized by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Kaduna Field Office, in collaboration with the Kaduna State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), was supported the Government of the Netherlands.
Speaking during at the end of training, Ladi Bonat, a representative of Civil Society Organisations, expressed her enthusiasm for the new approach, saying it will transform WASH services within health facilities in the State.
“This is my first time attending such an intensive training, and it has been truly impactful. We’ve learned how to identify gaps in WASH services using structured tools and work with stakeholders to develop practical solutions.
“Although only five facilities were selected, there’s a need to expand this initiative to more communities because this approach will improve the entire WASH services in the health facilities,”
She noted that for the program to be effectively implemented, constant monitoring is essential, adding “there needs to be wider sensitization. This initiative should be expanded because access to clean water and proper sanitation is very important.
“Health facilities are crucial, so the training should be stepped down and extended to other communities. This will help ensure everyone understands the basic requirements for effective healthcare delivery,”
Also speaking, Shehu Aliyu, the WASH Coordinator for Lere LGA, emphasized the importance of the training in transforming health service delivery.
“Before now, we didn’t have this kind of structured approach to assessing WASH in our facilities. With WASHFIT, we can now identify gaps, develop costed implementation plans, and understand what resources are needed to bridge those gaps.
“If implemented properly, this will significantly improve healthcare delivery across our communities,” he stated.
On her part, the Facility In-Charge of Primary Health Care Jere in Kagarko LGA, Abigail Nuhu, echoed the need for sustained investment in training.
“We’ve discovered so much, including the seven domains of hygiene we were previously unaware of. The field visits helped us identify real issues in our facilities and discuss solutions. However, more personnel need to be trained so the knowledge can reach all corners of our communities,” she said.
Participants committed to conducting step-down trainings for colleagues who could not attend, with a focus on ensuring improved hygiene and sanitation practices in health facilities and the surrounding communities.
They also called for continuous monitoring, regular retraining, and broader sensitization efforts to ensure long-term impact.
