Access to Water and Sanitation in Uganda and Zambia

Research partnership: The Leonard Cheshire Disability and Inclusive Development Centre in collaboration with WaterAid , SHARE, WEDC, INESOR at the University of Zambia, and the Appropriate Technology Centre in Uganda

How does improved access to clean water and basic sanitation impact on the economic, health and social status of people with disabilities? To explore these issues and then provide an evidence base for future water and sanitation (WASH) projects, this project uses a household survey and in-depth interviews with people with disabilities in rural areas of both countries.

The first phase of the research focuses on the impact of lack of access in three domains – livelihoods, health, and social participation. Second phase research will assess how improved access to water and sanitation facilities (implemented by WaterAid) affects both individuals with disabilities and their households.

To persuade policy makers to take action on this important issue, the project held a two-day workshop with a wide range of stakeholders. A podcast and briefing note explain its findings.

The project recently held stakeholder meetings in both countries of people with disabilities, WASH experts and government officials. Together they discussed how to make facilities accessible to inform future policy and practice.