Multisectoral Coordination User Guide for Sustainable Wash and NTD Integration

Purpose and Scope
This guide is designed to support government experts, program managers, NGOs, community leaders, and international partners in maintaining and enhancing MSC for WASH-NTD integration. It outlines practical strategies, coordination mechanisms, and tools to ensure effective collaboration across sectors and administrative levels.

Key Achievements
Since its inception in 2016, the MSC for WASH and NTD integration initiative has:

• Developed national frameworks and toolkits for integrated planning and implementation.
• Facilitated joint WASH-NTD projects that have improved health outcomes.
• Strengthened joint supportive supervision, review meetings, and evidence-based learning.
• Secured increased resource allocation and human capital for MSC.
• Integrated MSC into Ethiopia’s third NTD strategic plan (2021–2025).
• Created awareness about the need and rationale for WASH-NTD integration for sectors at all administrative levels of Ethiopia and relevant partners.

Strategic Framework
The guide details a robust MSC structure from national to kebele levels, including Technical Working Groups (TWGs), Task Forces (TFs), and WASH Coordination Offices. These
platforms ensure joint planning, implementation, monitoring, and capacity building.

Sustainability and Capacity Building
To ensure long-term impact, the guide emphasizes:

• Transitioning ownership to local governments.
• Continuous training and capacity building.
• Integration of MSC into routine government operations.
• Leveraging coordination with national programs like OWNP and COWASH.
• Sharing lessons learned from WASH and NTD related MSC strategy implementation.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
The guide promotes the use of DHIS2, eCHIS, and community-level data collection to track progress. It outlines indicators for WASH access, sanitation, hygiene practices, NTD prevalence, and stakeholder engagement.

Best Practices and Case Studies
The document highlights successful models such as:

• The Geshiyaro Project in Wolaita Zone.
• Trachoma elimination efforts in Oromia and SNNPR.
• The WASH-NTD Coordination Toolkit rollout.

These examples demonstrate the value of integrated approaches, community engagement, and adaptive strategies.

Special Considerations
The guide addresses challenges in new and pastoralist regions, proposing remote coordination mechanisms, mobile coordination units, and tailored support strategies to ensure inclusivity and equity.

Call to Action
Sustaining MSC for WASH-NTD integration requires continued political commitment, community ownership, and strategic investment. This guide serves as a roadmap for stakeholders to collaborate effectively, scale impact, and contribute to the elimination of NTDs in Ethiopia.