The University of North Carolina (UNC) Water Institute's Water & Health Conference will take place 23-27 October 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina (USA). The annual conference brings together policymakers, practitioners and researchers to review the evidence, interrogate the science, and improve old and develop new approaches to expanding water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) access and services. 

World Vision has a long-standing learning partnership with the UNC Water Institute and has been a significant contributor to Water & Health Conference for many years. In 2023, World Vision is a sponsor of the conference and our delegation of WASH experts are participating in a number of sessions and events.  Please stop by our booth and say hello!

World Vision Participation

Monday, 23 October

Establishing a Lead-Free Drinking Water Programme

This workshop focuses on creating safely managed drinking water services and adopting national policies and regulations based on international standards and testing/certification requirements for products and materials used in drinking water systems. This workshop will provide the tools and knowledge to establish a lead-free drinking water programme.
8:30am-10:00am and 1:30pm-3:00pm 

WASHing Away Barriers: Approaches for Transformative WASH Service Delivery in Fragile Contexts and Vulnerable Populations

This session will focus on transformative WASH service delivery in fragile contexts and for vulnerable populations. Join us to explore the challenges and opportunities faced by WASH implementers in diverse fragile settings, from conflict zones to climate-affected areas. Gain insights into contextual adaptations, community-led initiatives, and the importance of partnerships for sustainable WASH services. This event underscores our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by prioritising vulnerable populations and fostering collaboration among practitioners, researchers, and policymakers.
1:30pm-3:00pm 

Wednesday, 25 October

Is Quality a Buzzword? Defining True Quality WASH Services

This session will look at the evolving landscape of WASH services in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals, with the shift to more robust and resilient services. We will explore the multifaceted dimensions of WASH service quality, including equity, resiliency, and reliability. Through collaborative discussions led by researchers and implementers, we aim to collectively define what quality means in each of these aspects and identify research gaps to enhance WASH practices. The findings and key takeaways from this event will be summarised and shared to deepen our understanding of true quality WASH services.
8:30am-10:00am 

The Global Lead-Free Water Initiative

8:30am-10:00am

Thursday, October 26

A Recipe for Scale: Identifying Agile, Contextual and Collaborative Approaches for WASH in Schools

This session will address the pressing WASH gaps in schools, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. With 2030 goals for WASH in schools still distant, this event considers the diverse factors influencing scalability and sustainability, such as behaviour change, infrastructure maintenance, and government policy. Gain insights from educational content developers, NGOs, local implementers, and research institutions on innovative solutions for WASH in schools, from content design to city-wide approaches and infrastructure management models. This interactive session aims to inspire fresh ideas, promote partnerships, and identify crucial next steps to accelerate progress not only in WASH in schools but also in broader WASH programmes.
1:30pm-3:00pm 

Friday, October 27

Raising the Tide for Gender-Transformative WASH

This session explores innovative approaches for engaging women in WASH programmes. Instead of focusing only on aspects of access and participation, we're exploring how WASH programmes can be transformative for women and girls. Learn from NGOs like CARE and World Vision about their experiences in making WASH programmes more inclusive and equal, especially in places like Madagascar, South Sudan, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. This session is all about sharing practical insights, sparking discussions, and generating ideas to make WASH programmes better for everyone, especially women. 
8:30am-10:00am 

Assessing & Addressing the Specific Pathways of Infection in Children Under Two: Moving Towards Transformational WASH 

8:30am-10:00am