Archive
TED Talk: Francis de los Reyes: Sanitation is a basic human right
Dr. Francis L. de los Reyes III is a Professor of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, Associate Faculty of Microbiology, and Training Faculty of Biotechnology at North Carolina State University. His research focuses on biological processes and combines modeling, bioreactor experiments, and molecular microbial ecology tools in addressing fundamental and practical issues in environmental biotechnology and environmental engineering. An important area of his research and teaching is water and sanitation in developing countries.
Current and past research projects (funding of ~ $4.5 M in last 10 years) include: quantitative microbial risk assessment of graywater reuse (WRRI), molecular analysis and modeling of the competition between filaments and floc-formers in activated sludge (NSF), analysis of the ecophysiology of nitrifiers and denitrifiers in microbial floc (NSF), optimization of a swine waste treatment system for nitrogen removal (US Department of Agriculture), analysis of the fate of bioagents in landfills (EPA), microbial characterization of landfills (Waste Management, Inc.), molecular techniques for groundwater remedation sites (US DOE/DOD), investigation of foam control methods (Hazen and Sawyer), development of probes for environmentally versatile Bacillus strains (Novozymes Biochemicals, Inc.), improvement of sludge dewatering (NC WRRI), microbial ecology of grease interceptors (CSPA) and the system-wide optimization of wastewater treatment plants using genetic algorithms. more…
UNITAR is launching a new session of the e-learning course Governance in Urban Sanitation
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is launching a new session of the e-learning course Governance in Urban Sanitation, from Monday 6 October to Friday 12 December 2014.
Course goal
This course aims to enhance the capacity of local decision-makers and sanitation professionals to make enlightened decisions and investments in urban sanitation. It provides analytical tools to understand the financial and institutional framework of the sanitation sector, taking into account the needs of urban poor communities.
Methodology
This 4-module course is based on UNITAR’s sound adult learning pedagogical principles. The modules include interactive lessons and illustrated narratives that introduce the participant to the conceptual foundations of governance in urban sanitation. Taking advantage of the opportunities of technology-enhanced learning, the learning materials are presented through various media such as text, graphs, images and video material, which contribute to better retention and enhance the learning process
Participants engage in the development of a case study, where they can apply the knowledge gained to a real-life scenario. Peer reviews and discussion forums are the other core elements of the course, organized to create collective knowledge and to facilitate interaction and experience sharing. Each module also includes self-assessment exercises as well as quizzes. A high level sanitation expert guides participants through all the learning activities.
Please see the flyer attached for further details on course description, content and workload.
For any inquiry, feel free to contact us at e-dcp@unitar.org
How to register:Registration is open online at http://www.unitar.org/event/sanitation2014
Where do yo shit by @WaterForPeple
Great video! by Water For People, sure there are a lot of little details not mentioned, but you can not do better for a 5 minute video.
New Book: Sustainable Water and Sanitation Services – Life-Cycle Cost Approach…
There is a new book out that looks worthy of getting your library to order:
Sustainable Water and Sanitation Services
The Life-Cycle Cost Approach to Planning and Management
Hardback: $145.00 978-0-415-82818-5 December 24th 2013
“Based on the work of the WASHCost project run by the IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre (IRC), this book provides an evaluation of the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sectors in the context of developing countries and is the first systematic study of applying the life-cycle cost approach to assessing allocations. It presents unit cost estimates of the WASH sector across geographic locations and technologies, including rural and peri-urban areas, and these are compared with service levels. It analyses detailed data from more than 5000 households across nine agro-climatic zones in Andhra Pradesh State in India. Key issues assessed include poverty analysis of service levels, cost drivers and factors at the village and household level, and governance aspects such as transparency, accountability and value for money in relation to unit costs and service levels.
This is the most comprehensive study of the WASH sector in India and elsewhere that utilises the life-cycle cost approach, along with GIS, econometric modelling and qualitative research methods. Not only does it contribute to research and methodology in this area, but the analysis also provides valuable insights for planners, policy makers and bi-lateral donors. The authors show how the methodology can also be applied in other developing country contexts.”
Contents
- Introduction
- V. Ratna Reddy, Catarina Fonseca and Charles Batchelor
- WASH Sector in India: The Policy Context
- V. Kurian Baby and V. Ratna Reddy
- Life-Cycle Cost Approach: An Analytical Framework for WASH Sector
- V. Ratna Reddy, Catarina Fonseca and Charles Batchelor
- Unit Costs and Service Levels: Region and Technology-wise
- V. Ratna Reddy, M. Venkataswamy and M. Snehalatha
- Explaining Inter-Village Variations in Drinking Water Provision: Factors Influencing Costs and Service Levels in Rural Andhra Pradesh
- V. Ratna Reddy
- Rural Sanitation and Hygiene: Economic and Institutional Aspects of Sustainable Services
- V. Ratna Reddy
- Nirmal Gram Puraskar and Sanitation Service Levels: Curse of Slippage
- M. Snehalatha, V. Anitha Raj, P. Bhushan and M. Venkataswamy
- Cost of Provision and Managing WASH Services in Peri-Urban Areas
- G. Alivelu, V. Ratna Reddy, P. Bhushan and V. Anitha Raj
- Skewed and Inequitable Access to Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Services
- M.Snehalatha and James Batchelor
- How can Water Security be Improved in Water Scarce Areas of Rural India?
- Charles Batchelor, James Batchelor and M. Snehalatha
- Assessing Progress towards Sustainable Service Delivery in India: Lessons for Rural Water Supply
- A.J. James
- Transparency, Accountability and Participation (TAP): Understanding Governance in Rural WASH Sector
- M.V. Rama Chandrudu. Safa Fanaian and R. Subramanyam Naidu
- Decentralized Governance and Sustainable Service Delivery: A Case of Nenmeni Rural Water Supply Scheme, Kerala, India
- P.K. Kurian, V. Kurian Baby and Terry Thomas
- Provision of Sustainable WASH Services: Policy Options and Imperatives
- V. Ratna Reddy, Catarina Fonseca and Charles Batchelor
Free Course: Designing and Implementing Successful Water Supply and Sanitation Utility Reform
Free online course from the World Bank:
In emerging markets, many water supply and sanitation utilities are locked in a vicious spiral of weak performance, insufficient funding, deterioration of assets, institutional discrepancies and political interference. This is largely the consequence of poor governance, ineffective and misdirected policies, and the monopolistic nature of the sector.To help support reform in the water and sanitation sectors, the World Bank Institute (WBI) has developed a core learning program in “Designing and Implementing Successful Utility Reform.” The objective of the program is to provide government officials, senior managers of utilities and technical staff with the knowledge, skills and tools for initiating and sustaining reform. This e-learning program, which consists of lessons, case studies and exercises, supports stakeholders to reform their water utility.Target Audience:
Mid-level managers and technical specialists who are responsible for change in their organization. more…
About the e-Institute:
This unique global portal is designed to support self-motivated learners who want to get up to speed on the latest development trends, enhance their skills, and share knowledge through on-line learning communities.
Connect. Learn. Innovate. Inspire.
One of the greatest challenges facing today’s development practitioners is the dearth of affordable, innovative, and practitioner-focused training on the “how to” of policy reform and proven good practices customized to local needs. Tight training budgets and time constraints preclude travel to a central location for high quality, hands-on learning. The e-Institute was launched as a virtual learning classroom to provide convenient, easy, and reliable access to cutting edge knowledge and communities of practice. More than forty-five e-Learning courses address complex real-world problems in priority areas such as governance, health, cities, climate change, and public private partnerships. Learners also have access to free monthly podcasts and webinars, video success stories, multimedia toolkits, and other resources. source…
Seeking water and sanitation projects for 2014 Environmental Challenge – Reed Elsevier
$90,000 in prize money to be awarded to winning proposals to help the developing world
By Emmy Stevens | Posted on 9 December 2013
The Reed Elsevier Environmental Challenge awards prize money to three projects that best demonstrate how they can provide sustainable access to safe water or sanitation where it is presently at risk. Projects must have clear practical applicability, address identified needs and advance related issues such as health, education or human rights.
This is the fourth year that Reed Elsevier (Elsevier’s parent company) has held this challenge.
There is a $50,000 prize for the first place entry and a $25,000 prize for the second place entry. Applicants are offered access to Elsevier’s scientific online publications and databases, and for the first time, all applicants will be offered access to LexisNexis Risk Solution’s open source high performance computing (HPCC) resource, to allow them to process large amounts of research data, supported by online training. Winning projects will be highlighted in Elsevier journal Water Research.
For the second year, a $15,000 WASH Alliance prize will be given for the third prize project. The Dutch WASH Alliance is a consortium of six Dutch NGOs promoting access to and hygienic use of sustainable water and sanitation. The WASH Alliance will provide reviewers, judges and funding for the competition, and up to $2,500 towards relevant training and professional development for each winner.
The Environmental Challenge also contributes to the Water for Life Decade (2005-15) established by the UN General Assembly in support of the Millennium Development Goal to reduce by half the proportion of the population without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.
In addition, it ties into Elsevier’s aim to facilitate the exchange and dissemination of scientific information – in this case, information on improving access to a sustainable water supply and sanitation.
The 2014 challenge was launched at Pollutec Horizons in Paris, organized by Reed Exhibitions.
How to enter
The 2014 Reed Elsevier Environmental Challenge is open to individuals or organizations operating in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Projects must advance sustainable access to safe water or improved sanitation where it is presently at risk and include the following criteria:
- Be replicable, scalable and sustainable and set a benchmark for innovation
- Have practical applicability
- Address non-discrimination/equity of access
- Involve and impact a range of stakeholders
- Have local/community-level engagement
Applications will be accepted through April 1, 2014. For more information, visit the Reed Elsevier Environmental Challenge website and apply here.
New paper: Assessment of women’s participation in community based projects in water & sanitation – Kangundo, Kenya
Assessment of women’s participation in community Based projects in upper manza water and sanitation Project in Tala Division, Kangundo District
Abstract:
This study sought to assess the participation of women in community based projects. The major focus was on participation of women in Upper Manza Water and Sanitation Project. The’ study used purposive sampling to select key project officials and local leaders. Other participants were selected through stratified random sampling to give primary data with the qualitative data analyzed using Microsoft word editor. This data was also collated and organized according to the study objectives. Evidence from this study showed that women in Upper Manza Water and Sanitation Project have not fully taken their numerical advantage to assert their contributions in running the project. This is despite they being the main beneficiaries of improved water management in the community; their substantial contributions are largely hidden behind social norms regarding gender roles and relations. It is, therefore, recommended that women’s empowerment must be the concern of both women and men and the degree to which a project is defined as potentially empowering women is shown by the extent to which it addresses women’s practical and immediate needs. more….c
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Urges Sanitation Be at Heart of Post-2015 Dev Framework
Press Release
In Message for World Toilet Day, Secretary-General Urges that Sanitation Be at Heart of Post-2015 Development Framework
Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for World Toilet Day, observed on 19 November:
Each year, more than 800,000 children under five die needlessly from diarrhoea — more than one child a minute. Countless others fall seriously ill, with many suffering long-term health and developmental consequences. Poor sanitation and hygiene are the primary cause. Worldwide, some 2.5 billion people lack the benefits of adequate sanitation. More than 1 billion people practise open defecation. We must break the taboos and make sanitation for all a global development priority.
This first official observance by the United Nations of World Toilet Day is an opportunity to highlight this important topic. Sanitation is central to human and environmental health. It is essential for sustainable development, dignity and opportunity. Poor water and sanitation cost developing countries around $260 billion a year — 1.5 per cent of their gross domestic product (GDP). On the other hand, every dollar invested can bring a five-fold return by keeping people healthy and productive. When schools offer decent toilets, 11 per cent more girls attend. When women have access to a private latrine, they are less vulnerable to assault.
Despite the compelling moral and economic case for action on sanitation, progress has been too little and too slow. That is why I launched a Call to Action on Sanitation this year to end open defecation by 2025 and build on existing efforts, such as Sanitation and Water for All and the Sanitation Drive to 2015, the target date for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
We are a long way from achieving the MDG target of reducing by half the proportion of people lacking adequate sanitation. We must urgently step up our efforts, with all actors working together for rapid, tangible results. And, as we look beyond 2015, it is essential that sanitation is placed at the heart of the post-2015 development framework. The solutions need not be expensive or technology driven. There are many successful models that can be replicated and scaled up. We must also work to educate at-risk communities and change cultural perceptions and long-standing practices that have no place in our modern world.
By working together — and by having an open and frank discussion on the importance of toilets and sanitation — we can improve the health and well-being of one third of the human family. That is the goal of World Toilet Day.
Learn more at the World Toilet Day Site:
What is World Toilet Day ?
World Toilet Day is observed annually on 19 November. This international day of action aims to break the taboo around toilets and draw attention to the global sanitation challenge.
Can you imagine not having a toilet? Can you imagine not having privacy when you need to relieve yourself? Although unthinkable for those living in wealthy parts of the world, this is a harsh reality for many – in fact, one in three people on this globe, does not have access to a toilet! Have you ever thought about the true meaning of dignity?
World Toilet Day was created to pose exactly these kind of questions and to raise global awareness of the daily struggle for proper sanitation that a staggering 2.5 billion people face. World Toilet Day brings together different groups, such as media, the private sector, development organisations and civil society in a global movement to advocate for safe toilets. Since its inception in 2001, World Toilet Day has become an important platform to demand action from governments and to reach out to wider audiences by showing that toilets can be fun and sexy as well as vital to life. more…
Related articles
- Sanergy from Nairobi wins first Sarphati Sanitation Award (sanitationupdates.wordpress.com)
- Bollywood celeb advocates hand washing at the United Nations General Assembly (mydoorsign.com)
- Paving the way toward the MDGs and beyond (devex.com)
- UN Assembly Ramps-up Pressure on MDGs, Clarifies Post-2015 Goals (ictsd.org)
- Out in the open (thehindu.com)
Call for papers: Global Public Health Conference: Kattankulathur India
Press Release
Global Public Health Conference GPHCON at SRM University, Kattankulathur
– Call for papers
– Last Date: November 30, 2013
GPHCON 2014
Pre Conference Workshop -Thursday 20th February 2014
Conference – 21-23 February, 2014
Organized by : School of Public Health ,SRM University
Supported by : Distinguished Members of Public Health Associations of India
Secretariat
School of Public Health, III Floor, Medical College Building
SRM University ,SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur
Tamil Nadu-603203, India, Tel- +91-44-27455771
Email- gphcon2014@srmuniv.ac.in
For details: http://gphcon2014.wix.com/gphcon#!organising-committe-/c1d94
Greetings from the Organizing Committee -GPHCON2014 It is our privilege to intimate you that School of Public Health SRM University will be organizing Global Public Health Conference in February 21-23, 2014 and the pre-conference workshop is on February 20, 2014. The theme of the conference is “Multi- disciplinary Approaches in Public Health: innovations, practices and Future Strategies” and about 25 sub themes focuses on multi-disciplinary approaches.
The aim of this conference is to bring the public health professionals from various disciplines to a single platform and share their technical expertise for the benefit of the people and the world. If you are working actively with public health systems or practicing public health at any level we invite you to share your rich experience in the conference. Your participation would add great value to the conference and you will certainly enjoy being among the renowned intellectual expertise.
The venue of the conference is SRM University, Near Chennai. SRM University is the first private University in India and has many glorious achievements to its credit. SRM launched the Nano satellite named, SRMSAT in the year 2012: it has been designed by students and faculties of SRM University. The crowning glory for the SRM University is in being the first private University in India to host the 98th Indian Science Congress that was hosted with the theme “Quality Education and Excellence in Scientific Research in Indian Universities” was formally inaugurated by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in the year 2010 which was attended by more than 10,400 delegates from India and abroad including six Nobel Laureates has participated.
Keeping the legacy of organizing the large national and international conferences we School of Public Health, SRM University invite your august participation in the conference.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY SRM
University is one of the top ranking universities in India with over 20,000 students and 1,500 faculties, offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in Engineering, Management, Medicine and Health Sciences, and Science and Humanities. SRM University with multiple institutions having been established 28 years ago is one of the largest private Universities in India. Over two and half decades, SRM University has set standards in experimental education and knowledge creation across various fields. Over 600 acres replete with a variety of facilities, State-of-the-art labs, libraries, Wi-Fi, Knowledge centre, 4500 capacity AC auditorium, 100 online smart classrooms and hostels with premium facilities.
SRM University is the first private university in India to launch the Nano satellite named, SRMSAT: it has been designed by students and faculties of SRM University. The design is made robust enough support different payloads and act as Nano Bus for further mission. By this process SRM University would be able to provide qualified and trained scientist and technological manpower in satellite technology. Added to the crowning glory for the SRM University is that the 98th Indian Science Congress was hosted with the theme “Quality Education and Excellence in Scientific Research in Indian Universities”, was formally inaugurated by the Prime Minister in which more than 10,400 delegates from India and abroad including six Nobel Laureates has participated.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Emerging as a School of Excellence in the 6 years of genesis, our staff brings experience in multiple disciplines and have hands on experience in local, national, and international health settings. Our capabilities in research, knowledge and practice have been tested time to time and proved successful..School of Public Health intercepts into many inter related disciplines, which have key elements in common that bring us together. School of Public Health, because of its unique standing is a powerful tool in bring about balance. The School works on “hubs and spokes” model linking many departments that include Medicine, Engineering, Nursing and Management in its manifold to function effectively. Postgraduate program in the School of Public Health is designed for graduates, who aspire to be leaders and professionals in public health, who aspire to reach high-level roles nationally and internationally. Our students come from all parts of India and a few International students from the Far East. They have relevant academic and work experience. Majority of our students have a prior health related degree, and we have students from various disciplines like Arts, Humanities and Engineering. We have Doctors and Public Health Officers nominated from various states and Union Territories.
This program prepares health professionals from a varied range of backgrounds, with knowledge and skills from a variety of disciplines, to define, critically assess and resolve public health and nutrition problems. Various fields of study allow students to focus on Indian public health issues and international public health, including nutrition and tropical health.
Theme “Multi-disciplinary Approaches in Public Health: Innovations, Practices and Future Strategies”
Sub- Theme
- Public Health Policy,
- Public Health Education,
- Pharmacovigilance in Public Health,
- AYUSH and Public Health, Community Health,
- Public Health Nursing, Public Health Engineering,
- Health Analytics, Public Health Ethics and Legalities,
- Veterinary Public Health, Occupational and Industrial Health,
- Public Health Promotion and Behaviour Change Communication,
- Migration Refugees and Urban Public Health, Public Health Nutrition,
- Hospitality Industry and Public Health, Economics of Public Health,
- Reproductive and Child Health Management in Public Health,
- Water Sanitation and Hygiene, Equity Issues in Public Health,
- Environmental Public Health, Public Health Research ,
- CSR in Public Health, Role of NGOs in Public Health,
- Medical Public Health, Public Health Dentistry,
- Information Technology and Public Health
- Disaster and Public Health
Abstract Submission
Authors who wish to submit abstract should follow the format for abstract submission that can be downloaded from the website. Abstracts should be written in English. Abstracts that are submitted must NOT have been previously presented in any other conference or published anywhere in any form.
Abstract should not exceed 300 words. It must be prepared in MS Word format. A 12 point font, Times New Roman, 1.5 line spacing should be used. Abstracts should be structured one with following sub-headings indicating in bold – Background; Objectives; Methods; Results; Conclusion. Always define abbreviations and acronyms including standard measures. Place special or unusual abbreviations in parentheses after the full word the first time it appears. Each abstract must be complete, i.e. it must include all information necessary for its comprehension and not refer to another text.
We encourage applying though online submission; however for the convenience the abstract can be emailed to gphcon.2014@srmuniv.edu.in. The submitted abstract will be reviewed by the expert committee and the authors will be notified about the acceptance by Email. If accepted for presentation the selected authors are requested to submit the full paper.
o Deadline for abstract submission – November 30, 2013.
o Last date for submission of full paper – December 31, 2013
o After you complete your submission, you will receive an e-mail that confirms your submission was successfully received.
o Keep a copy of your abstract submission for your records.
Paper: Estimating child health equity potential of improved sanitation – Nepal
paper
Anjali Acharya, Li Liu, Qingfeng Li and Ingrid K Friberg
Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
Estimating the child health equity potential of improved sanitation in Nepal
Abstract
Background
Access to improved sanitation plays an important role in child health through its impact on diarrheal mortality and malnutrition. Inequities in sanitation coverage translate into health inequities across socio-economic groups. This paper presents the differential impact on child mortality and diarrheal incidence of expanding sanitation coverage across wealth quintiles in Nepal.
Methods
We modeled three scale up coverage scenarios at the national level and at each of the 5 wealth quintiles for improved sanitation in Nepal in the Lives Saved Tool (LiST): equal for all quintiles, realistically pro-poor and ambitiously pro-poor.
Results
The results show that equal improvement in sanitation coverage can save a total of 226 lives (10.7% of expected diarrhea deaths), while a realistically pro-poor program can save 451 child lives (20.5%) and the ambitiously pro-poor program can save 542 lives (24.6%).
Conclusions
Pro-poor policies for expanding sanitation coverage have the ability to reduce population level health inequalities which can translate into reduced child diarrheal mortality. more….
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