A Daring Duo: WASH and One Health Take on Neglected Tropical Diseases in Rwanda

Contributed by WaterAid Canada

This World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day, we shine a spotlight on the Community One Health Empowerment in Rwanda and Senegal (COHERS) project in Rwanda, a vital initiative that demonstrates the transformative power of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) has in One Health to break the cycle of disease and build healthier futures. Across the world, millions of people are still at risk of preventable illnesses, but this is a challenge we can solve together. Led by Veterinarians Without Borders North America, the University of Global Health Equity and WaterAid, the COHERS project is identifying One Health solutions for infectious disease in Rwanda’s Nyamagbe district.

By improving sanitation facilities and promoting hygiene education and practices, the One Health project is not only tackling diseases like tapeworm and other NTDs at their source, but also creating a ripple effect of positive change. WASH interventions empower communities to thrive – promoting health, dignity, and opportunity while building a future free from the burden of preventable diseases.

Expected Outcomes of this One Health Project

Access to safe water, adequate sanitation, and proper hygiene practices are fundamental to preventing the spread of NTDs. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that improved WASH could prevent nearly 1.4 million deaths annually from diseases such as diarrhea and soil-transmitted helminth infections.

The One Health project in Rwanda aims to achieve several key outcomes:

Improve prevention and control of infectious disease through a One Health approach, integrating human, animal and environmental health services.

Empower communities, especially women and girls, to improve healthy behaviours related to interactions between humans, animals and environment while raising livestock.

Provide evidence on the effectiveness of One Health solutions for reducing zoonotic disease to the Rwanda Government for application in disease control measures.

Laying the Foundation for Lasting Change

On this World NTD Day, we are reminded that eliminating these preventable diseases is within our grasp, but only if we work together. It’s about tackling diseases at their source, while also creating opportunities to thrive through a community-focused, collaborative approach – because health is the foundation of dignity, productivity, and hope.

By continuing to invest in WASH and integrating it into broader health initiatives, we can turn the tide against NTDs for good.