Equidev, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population (MoHSPP), the Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA), and Oxfam Consults, successfully conducted a 5-day workshop on Sustainable Sanitation and Water Management (SSWM) from July 22 to July 26, 2024. Funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the workshop aimed to drive change in the planning, design, implementation, and maintenance of sustainable sanitation systems and water management at the local level. By employing a holistic and participatory approach, the workshop empowered participants to understand the concepts behind SSWM and equipped them with the tools needed for planning and implementing local initiatives.
The workshop commenced with opening remarks from Gulchehra Boboeva, CEO of Equidev, who emphasized the importance of sustainable sanitation solutions in improving public health and environmental outcomes in Tajikistan. Navruz Jafarov, Deputy Head of the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance Center of MoHSPP, highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing sanitation infrastructure and the critical role of cross-sectoral collaboration in achieving these goals.
The comprehensive program featured interactive presentations, hands-on workshops, and a field visit to a Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System (DEWATS) site, providing participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical insights. Highlights included sessions on the sanitation value chain and the Water and Sanitation for Health Facility Improvement Tool (WASH-FIT), which equipped participants with tools for planning and implementing effective sanitation systems.
The workshop concluded with a ceremony where participants were awarded certificates of participation, recognizing their commitment and contributions to advancing sustainable sanitation practices.
By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, the workshop strengthened the capacity for collective action towards sustainable sanitation. Equidev’s efforts, supported by SDC, continue to pave the way for a healthier and more sustainable future in Tajikistan.
