The Washman blog is a result of a personal passion and experience working in the field of water, sanitation and hygiene for about 20 years. The idea is to create a platform for sharing experiences and thoughts on WASH programming. Water, Sanitation and hygiene issues are dear to my heart. I believe that affordable access to a sufficient quantity of safe water, improved sanitation and improved hygiene behaviour is fundamental to the health and dignity of all. An estimated 400 million Africans remain without access to safe drinking water and over twice that number are denied access to adequate sanitation. These numbers are of great concern and alarm to me. Millions of lives are at risk from preventable water and sanitation related diseases and the future of millions of Africans women and children are blighted by the multiple deprivations of poverty, lack of education ill health that often accompany poor water and sanitation.
Smart investments in sanitation can reduce disease, increase family incomes, keep girls in school, help preserve the environment, and enhance human dignity. The adoption of water and sanitation as human rights by the UN General Assembly in 2010 gives me the impetus to advocate WASH for all. Every person especially women and children should have access to water and sanitation.
I trust that this blog will bring a new perspective and guidance to the task ahead – ensuring that the fundamental and basic human right to water and sanitation is realised for everyone’s health and dignity in Africa – Austin Bhebe
The WASHMan Blog 