An Evaluation of Water Sanitation and Hygeine (WASH) and Water Borne Diseases in Rural Bist Doab, Punjab

Abstract

Recently, in 2023, WHO and UNICEF published a report on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) progress. Report highlighted that there is a need to increase WASH progress rate by 3 to 6 fold to achieve clean water and sanitation (SDG) 6 by 2030. Main aim of this research paper is to assess progress of WASH and identify risk factors which are yet barrier in attaining SDG 3 and SDG 6 in Bist Doab area of Punjab. Household survey was conducted to assess level of WASH in study region through well-structured questionnaire using multistage random purposive sampling. Village environmental conditions were also observed and included in the study to identify risk factor present for water – borne diseases. Survey revealed that level of WASH has improved in Punjab in drinking water sources, sanitation level and personal hygiene. In addition, survey disclosed people are not satisfied with quality of water supplied in their villages. Also, study found low awareness level among people regarding water borne diseases and presence of permanent water logged areas, improper waste disposal, open drainage are some favorable grounds for outbreak of water borne and other water associated diseases such as malaria and dengue.