Home News U.S. Government launches $45.5m five-year project to improve Ghana's WASH sector.
U.S. Government launches $45.5m five-year project to improve Ghana's WASH sector.
Ribboncutting Gushiegu Ambulance Dispatch Center – U.S. Ambassador Stephanie Sullivan and local officials inaugurate the U.S.-funded Geshiegu Ambulance Dispatch Center in Geshiegu, Northern Region
The United States has invested $45.5 million in Ghana's water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs over the next five years.
The initiative was officially launched today in Tamale by US Ambassador Stephanie S. Sullivan, who was joined by representatives from the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources.
The U.S. Government, through USAID, will work together with the Government of Ghana (GOG) to enhance governance and planning for WASH projects, strengthen sustainable financing, improve private sector engagement, and accelerate the adoption of healthy hygiene practices.
The project will focus on six regions in northern Ghana: Upper East, Upper West, North-East, Northern, Savannah, and Oti Regions.
Ambassador Sullivan reiterated the United States' commitment to supporting Ghana to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal Six to Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.
"Communities need clean water and healthy sanitation.
Together we will continue to support individuals, communities, districts, and regions to achieve universal access to clean water and basic sanitation and hygiene services. This is an essential action during the COVID-19 pandemic, and beyond, to improve the health of Ghanaians and their economy."
This new initiative aims to provide 300,000 people with access to basic sanitation services and provide 250,000 people with access to basic drinking water services.
Over the next five years, USAID and partners will work with the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, District Assemblies, environmental health officers, community leaders, and the private sector to strengthen the governance financing of WASH services.
This new effort will ultimately empower citizens to adopt sustainable, long-term WASH behavior change to improve their health and economic opportunities.
The project builds on over a decade of partnership between the U.S. Government and the Government of Ghana on water, sanitation, and hygiene and overall healthcare delivery systems. Over the past five years, through the WASH for Health project, 150,000 people gained access to basic drinking water services and 200,000 gained access to improved sanitation facilities.
WASH for Health built and rehabilitated 200 water boreholes, providing an essential source of water to hospitals, clinics, and schools. In addition, five, small-town water systems are providing clean water to 50,000 people.
Also through WASH for Health, a ground-breaking partnership with the private sector led to the development of the Digni-loo, a more durable latrine which is 80% cheaper than similar latrines. The model is now being used in countries around the globe.
While in Tamale, in collaboration with Gushiegu District, Ambassador Stephanie S. Sullivan attended the launch of Ghana's first ever decentralized ambulance dispatch center.
Ambassador Sullivan was joined by the Chief Executive of the National Ambulance Service, Professor Ahmed Nuhu Zacharia; and Robert Waaja Dawuni, Municipal Chief Executive, Gushiegu, to commission Ghana's first district Emergency Dispatch Center (EDC), in Gushiegu, Northern Region.
The Emergency Dispatch Center is a key component of a $5.1 million U.S.-supported health system strengthening project- Developing Acute Care and Emergency Referral System (ACERS), which also raises awareness amongst community members to seek emergency services, and supports health workers to improve service delivery.
The project has a specific focus on mothers and newborns, addressing bottlenecks in accessing safe and quality healthcare services at the time of most need.
About USAID
USAID is the lead U.S. Government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential. USAID's activities and strategic partnerships support Ghana's journey to self-reliance and advance an integrated approach to development. USAID promotes accountability, sustainable systems, and inclusive development.
five year project
Northern Ghana
Previous articleSouthern Africa Travel Ban Led by Western Countries Draws Condemnation
Next articleHuman Rights Reporters Ghana condemn harassment of a female by police officer
https://newsghana.com.gh/
News Ghana is a premier news source that covers daily news of Ghana, Africa and the World over.
Senior military officer launches book on "Black Redemption"
Slamm Foundation launches IT skills acquisition initiative
Adopt modern trends to improve teaching and learning – VC
Weightlifting: Ghanaian athletes improve Commonwealth rankings at end of 2021
President commissions two medical centres, launches GH¢6.1 million Medical Fund for Police Service
AAMUSTED Lecturer Launches Book on Wealth Creation
AU launches Centre for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development
ACEX launches platform to enhance commodities trading