More than 40 villages in Champhone district achieve Open Defecation Free status

The ceremony to declare 41 villages Open Defecation Free marks a milestone in the collaboration between the Government and SNV to implement the Sustainable Sanitation and Hygiene for All (SSH4A) – Beyond the Finish Line project. The project is funded by the Australian Government with a budget of AUD 4.2 million for the period of 2018-2022 and aims to improve the health, gender equality and social inclusion of 200,000 people living in Atsaphone, Champhone and Phalanxay districts by achieving Open Defecation Free status by 2022.

ithin one year from the MOU being signed (in October 2019), the proportion of households without a toilet in the three districts has reduced by 22 percent. More remarkably the proportion of households in the poorer wealth quintile without a toilet has reduced from 83 to 45 percent.
Ms Ringthong Sengthavan, Deputy Governor of Savannakhet province, emphasised that achieving ODF status is a significant first step, but said village leaders should continuously monitor and improve the sanitation and hygiene situation for better health impacts, while it is critical to prioritise large scale behaviour change campaigns.
Dr Panom Phongmany, Deputy Director of the Department of Health and Hygiene Promotion (Ministry of Health), confirmed the Government has signed a pledge to achieve nationwide ODF status by 2025. He congratulated Savannakhet on having successfully mobilised all 15 districts to sign commitments to achieve provincewide ODF by 2024.
Dr Sengdao Sydalay, Director of the provincial Health Department, stressed the importance of the Government’s leadership and ownership for long term sustainability. Two years since the project started, the provincial and district teams are well equipped to lead the planning and implementation of sanitation and hygiene activities, with a strong focus on gender equality and social inclusion; and active participation of the private sector.  
Jane Chandler, Deputy Head of Mission of the Australian Embassy, highlighted “A toilet is not just a toilet, it is a life saver and dignity protector for women and girls.”
Dr Allert van den Ham, SNV Country Director, thanked the authorities for their strong leadership in the roll-out of the project. He acknowledged the hard work of the 41 villages who are the front runners in the drive of the Lao government to achieve ODF status in 2024 at the provincial level.
Although the initial successes are outstanding, the journey to universal sanitation coverage is long and will require strong collaboration between the government, community and private sector to reach everyone, especially the most likely vulnerable and marginalised groups, who are at risk of being left behind.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update April 19, 2021)