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Nepal WASH Radio Campaign

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From June to December 2010, the WASH Radio Campaign in Nepal reached communities living in remote districts with water supply, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)-related broadcasts. The weekly radio episodes were intended to serve as a public forum to influence local authorities and decision-makers to improve water supply and sanitation, and to promote healthy hygiene practices. The broadcasts were principally geared toward those living in the rural hills and Tarai region of Nepal.

Communication Strategies

According to organisers, radio is the most widely accessed media in the region, and so is an appropriate medium to turn to for sharing WASH messages. A total of 5 community radio stations aired weekly, locally adapted WASH radio episodes in selected districts with low water and sanitation coverage for half a year. Each programme included what was intended to be a stimulating drama, flash news on WASH, interviews with members of the public, catchy jingles, a quiz of the day, and either an analytic feature or an interactive discussion panel.

 

The campaign especially sought to initiate discussion among decision-makers (parliamentarians, sector professionals, and service providers) and community representatives on WASH issues, mainly on the public's right to water and sanitation, budget allocation, equitable disbursement, and use of sanitation at the local level. The discussions were often held in a public forum, with the goal of sharing best practices, advocating for policy change, promoting sustainable hygiene, and increasing ownership and accountability of delivery.

 

As reported by organisers, edutainment was a central strategy to making WASH "a popular and inspiring topic at the same time". The broadcasts involved a mix of radio formats, manifold topics, and people in front of the microphone - with locally produced poetry and songs.

Development Issues

Water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Key Points

According to organisers, some WASH broadcasts resulted in immediate commitments and actions: Some organisations came forward to conduct a WASH awareness programme for Musahars (a marginalised community); a local political leader in Siraha committed to pushing for the right to water and sanitation during a radio interview; local-level organisations provided water purification tablets; and district health offices carried out health checkups in flood-affected areas after the problems related to poor WASH and diarrhoea incidences had been reported.

Sources

Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) website, February 24 2012; and email from Saskia Castelein to The Communication Initiative on March 2 2012.