Community development for health (CDH) improving sanitation, hygiene in the rural areas of Bhutan : workshop facilitators’ guide

The government of Bhutan’s commitment to improve and maintain the health and well-being of its people is long standing with water, sanitation and hygiene being one of the key areas for this as reflected in the National Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Policy. Whilst Bhutan now reports impressive coverage figures for access with 92.5% basic sanitation coverage in rural areas it is recognised that this is not necessarily access that is hygienic or of a standard that blocks the spread of disease transmission. According to Bhutan Multiple Indicator Survey 2010, only 58.4% of the Bhutanese population have access to improved sanitation as monitored by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The importance of sanitation and hygiene is forimproving under 5 (U5) morbidity and mortality as well as reducing overall disease burden experiences by the population. The resulting quality of life,economic and social benefits go beyond health alone. In Bhutan, figures for under-five child mortality are still some of the highest in South Asia. [authors abstract]