NASERIAN & NAIPANOI CALLS FOR INCREASED INVESTMENT IN WASH SERVICES IN TANZANIA

Children have called on the government and development partners to increase investment in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services to ensure that every child enjoys their fundamental right to live in a safe and healthy environment. The call was made during the DAC 2026 Dialogue held on June 16, 2026, under the theme “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa.” The presentation, delivered by Naserian and Naipanoi Onesmo Olengurumwa from the Tanzania Child HRD Coalition, emphasized that WASH services are not privileges but fundamental rights for every child. These rights are recognized under several national and international frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, and Tanzania’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation. The presenters highlighted that many children in Tanzania continue to face significant challenges related to access to clean water and adequate sanitation services. Among the major concerns are water shortages, poor sanitation facilities, inadequate hygiene services, and limited access to these essential services in rural and underserved communities. These challenges negatively affect children’s health, education, and overall wellbeing. According to the presentation, increasing investment in WASH would bring numerous benefits to communities and the nation as a whole. Improved investment would bring clean water closer to communities, enhance sanitation facilities in schools, reduce the prevalence of diseases among children, and increase school attendance and learning time. Furthermore, it would help establish climate-resilient water systems capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change while strengthening public health and community wellbeing. The discussion also underscored the importance of WASH education in shaping a healthier and more informed generation. WASH education equips children with knowledge and skills to protect their health, prevent diseases, and practice proper hygiene. Through such education, children learn about safe drinking water, effective handwashing practices, environmental cleanliness, sanitation, hygiene, and the relationship between climate change and water resources. Another key issue raised was the need to empower children to participate in discussions and decisions regarding WASH services. Children experience WASH-related challenges in their daily lives and often have valuable ideas and practical solutions. When given the opportunity to express themselves, they can become advocates for improved WASH services, promote positive hygiene practices, contribute innovative solutions for schools and communities, and develop leadership skills. Their involvement also helps decision-makers better understand the needs and realities faced by communities. Speaking with one voice, the children stressed that they are not merely beneficiaries of WASH services but active partners in creating sustainable solutions. They urged governments, development partners, and communities to listen to children’s voices, invest in sustainable WASH systems, and ensure that every child enjoys the right to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. The message delivered during the DAC 2026 Dialogue clearly demonstrated that investing in WASH is an investment in children’s health, education, and future prosperity. Through collective action and increased commitment from all stakeholders, Tanzania can ensure that no child is left behind in accessing these essential services. The campaign hashtag #RewriteTheFutureOfAfricanChild serves as a powerful reminder that securing quality WASH services for every child is key to building a brighter and healthier future for Africa.