Nepal

As of 2020, 62.14% of Nepalis had access to basic hand hygiene (HH) services, and only 1.46% lacked access to a handwashing facility. Nepal’s score of 1.82 and 1.34 on the HHAFT Tracker and Assessment’s 4-point scale, respectively, reflect the country’s efforts to draft a roadmap for universal HH. A technical working group with representatives from various Ministries, municipal/rural local government associations, CSOs, INGOs, and the private sector drafted the roadmap which is under review and awaits approval.

Tracker

Milestone	2023
Prepare for Action	1.80
Analyse the Situation / Assess the Need	2.50
Prioritise Actions	1.80
Execute Plans	2.50
Monitor, Evaluate and Course Correct	0.50
Average	1.82

Nepal conducted a HH situational analysis in the last three years using tools developed and validated in consultation with internal stakeholders, with results and the dataset shared in the roadmap and with stakeholders. Currently, lack of approval of the roadmap is a barrier toward progress toward universal HH. The cost of implementation has been outlined, but financial allocations and budget revisions have not been approved. However, once necessary approvals have been secured, Nepal is poised to execute on the detailed action plan.

Assessment

Parameter	2023
Governance	2.10
Financing	1.33
Data and Information	1.25
Capacity Development	0.50
Innovation	1.50
Average	1.34

Nepal’s HH governance is strong; it is primarily hampered by lack of approval of the roadmap. Nepal may benefit from advancing other pillars, as feasible, while the roadmap awaits approval, e.g., on the financing strategy to reach national targets, capacity development of curriculum and training tools; and clarifying the roles, responsibilities, and resource allocations. Finally, Nepal’s HH M&E system will link with WASH MIS, but surveys need to be standardized to incorporate JMP definitions and indicators, and a government led HH review process needs to be created.