Synergy for water now

H2O4ALL recognizes that health inequalities are best addressed using a life course approach (Halfon & Hochstein, 2002). This approach recognizes that health status at any age is influenced by current circumstances and “prior living circumstances, in utero onwards” (Kawachi, 2002, p. 650). The most effective way to empower women and girls is to encourage a safe and healthy early life environment—a strong determinant of their health and well-being as adults. H2O4ALL continues undertaking projects both serving and advocating for the health and rights of women and girls, underlining the organization’s priorities in choosing its partners and projects.

H2O4ALL’s strategy towards achieving the greatest impact is through education, training and community engagement. We provide the tools that allow communities to take ownership of their water needs and leadership in developing solutions. Through our ground partnerships H2O4ALL collaborates with local community members, government authorities, and faith communities to identify water-related needs, select beneficiaries, and implement project activities. H2O4ALL initially engages with local council leaders, religious leaders, and opinion leaders in the community to build trust and a deep understanding of their water-related needs. After jointly identifying how safe water can best be delivered, community members are trained to assist with the water project’s installation and maintenance once completed. These collaborations and partnerships enable H2O4ALL to reach the most vulnerable communities highly effectively and sustainably.

As part of H2O4ALL’s work, we have undertaken health impact assessments, social surveys, environmental scans, and rigorous testing of our technologies in partnership with local universities. From these experiences, we now have tested tools to evaluate and monitor our work. The project implementation checklist collects detailed information on a) availability of improved water sources (and 5 liters per person per day according to WHO/UNICEF guideline standards), the economic and physical costs (e.g., the average distance traveled) of water collection, the adequacy of equitable sanitation for all with special attention given to needs of women and girls, and any available health programming on hygiene and sanitation. To assess the short-term impact (6 month) of the project, our project partners will be tasked with tracking activity progress against set indicators (e.g., gallons of water delivered to each ward, water quality, days missed at school due to illness). Additionally, H2O 4 ALL will conduct an in-person site visit six months and one year after the projects have been implemented. The midterm evaluation will focus on: a) the determination of levels of achievement and b) actions for going forwards.

To assess the long-term impact (1 year afterward), H2O 4 ALL will prioritize in-person site visits. Our project partners will be responsible for providing report updates and continuing maintenance on the water systems as needed. Additionally, at the one-year mark, H2O 4 ALL will explore possible expansion and improvement opportunities at the project site and neighbouring areas. The organization will have established relationships with community members and want to continue supporting significant water needs.