The partners
WASH First is a programme implemented by the WASH SDG Consortium comprising WASH Alliance International (WAI), SNV Netherlands Development Organisation and Plan International Netherlands. Coordinated by Simavi, as a member of WAI, the consortium is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The programme has been implemented in six countries: Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda and Uganda.
WAI envisions a world where everyone has access to sustainable and affordable water and sanitation services so that all people have hygienic living conditions and can improve their health, dignity and economic well-being. In Africa, WAI runs programmes in Ghana, Mali, Benin, Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya. In Asia, it works in Nepal and Bangladesh. WAI establishes alliances that help to optimise the use of local knowledge and networks and tap into existing WASH structures.
More about WASH Alliance International’s work.
Simavi
Simavi encourages girls and women to claim their right to equality and basic needs, resulting in a physically, mentally and socially healthier society for everyone. It ensures that interventions respond to the expressed needs of women and girls and other disadvantaged groups. With its extensive network of partners, Simavi is well positioned to address the widening gender gap caused by COVID-19 while promoting interventions that prevent the virus from spreading.
More about Simavi’s work.
Amref
As the largest Africa-based, international NGO, Amref currently runs programmes in more than 35 African countries to increase sustainable health access. With 60+ years of engagement with governments, communities and partners, it is committed to a healthy and strong Africa. Amref partners with those at the heart of communities, particularly women and children, to effect lasting health change and is a member of the Strategic Partnership Coordination Mechanism for COVID Preparedness and Response.
More about Amref’s work.
Plan International
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. Known for its gender transformative WASH and menstrual hygiene and health approach, it implements WASH programmes to tackle root causes and reshape unequal power relations. Currently, Plan International is rolling out COVID-19 response and prevention programmes with WASH First being one of the focus areas. Plan International supports local communities and governments through raising health and hygiene awareness, installing handwashing facilities and distributing hygiene and menstrual kits.
More about Plan International’s work.
SNV
SNV is a not-for-profit international development organisation creating lasting change in the lives of people living in poverty by helping them raise incomes and access basic services. SNV’s WASH programmes contribute to sustainable change through WASH delivery systems to ensure that all communities gain access to affordable and reliable services. As part of its integrated approach, SNV engages in hygiene behaviour interventions, including WASH First, in response to COVID-19. These behaviours include handwashing with soap, personal and environmental hygiene and occupational safety.
More about SNV’s work.
Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
WASH First is funded by the Directorate-General for International Cooperation (DGIS) of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. DGIS is responsible for development cooperation policy and for its coordination, implementation and funding. Its themes include gender, AIDS, education, sustainable economic development and the environment. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs makes the Kingdom of the Netherlands safer and more prosperous and works to create a just and sustainable world. It also supports Dutch nationals abroad 24/7. The ministry does all this together with its partners at home and abroad, working for the Netherlands, worldwide.