The Ministry of Health (MoH), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) held an inception meeting with key stakeholders on 27 August 2024 at WHO Country Office to officially launch the UN-Water Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water (GLAAS) 2024/25 country survey.

The GLAAS survey will collect information that shall monitor Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) systems in Uganda with special emphasis on marginalized groups. The aim is to use this information to extend WASH services to all and ensure it is sustainable overtime. The inception meeting was intended to bring all actors of WASH together to support this country led process.

The 2024/25 GLAAS cycle will focus on governance, human resources, monitoring, and finance within WASH systems. It will provide a useful situation analysis, help decision-makers define priorities, bring different stakeholders together, and devise plans. Additionally, it will place significant emphasis on gender issues, particularly menstrual health and hygiene management, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen national monitoring systems. The initiative will be executed through an inclusive process involving government entities, development partners, civil society, and local governments.

At Global level, the GLAAS initiative has been pivotal in enhancing global WASH systems since its initial launch in 2008.  In the previous 2021/22 cycle, the participation had 124 countries and 23 external support agencies. Through GLAAS, participating countries have used the comprehensive analysis and reliable data that inform policy, and decision-making at all levels. Countries have developed quality standards, strategies, plans and have advocated for funding in support of improved WASH systems.

According to Dr. Herbert Nabaasa, Commissioner-Department of Environment Health at the Ministry of Health, Uganda has made many strides in the WASH sector in recent years therefore GLAAS will complement the efforts. He advised that the data collection process be done thoroughly so as to better inform the country which areas need strengthening.

“The GLAAS report has consistently provided invaluable data that guide national and global WASH initiatives. Our collective efforts will help ensure that Uganda not only meets its WASH-related SDG targets but also enhances its capacity to respond to future health emergencies,” stated Dr. Christine Musanhu Chiedza, Officiating WHO Representative to Uganda.

As Uganda embarks on this critical journey, the GLAAS 2024/25 cycle is expected to yield significant outcomes, including strengthened national monitoring systems and a more robust response framework for WASH challenges as extensively discussed during the inception meeting.

The GLAAS 2024/25 cycle is set to play a pivotal role in shaping Uganda’s approach to WASH in the coming years, reflecting the country’s commitment to sustainable development. Information collected through the GLAAS country survey will be presented in the UN-Water GLAAS 2025 report and featured on the GLAAS data portal.