Case study atlas
Transforming Lives through WASH Initiatives in the Pacific
Preparing WASH concepts and funding proposals that supported programmes in schools and communities across the Pacific.
The challenge
In the Pacific Islands, poor water quality and limited access to proper sanitation facilities pose serious health risks, straining public resources and human capital. MFAT has long prioritised Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in its development assistance for countries such as Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu, working alongside UNICEF on transformative WASH programmes over the past decade.
What we did
- UNICEF Pacific has integrated WASH as a core component of its multi-country strategy, focusing on schools, communities, and healthcare facilities. Since 2014, Kirsty Burnett has been instrumental in securing approximately NZD 20 million from MFAT’s Partnership Fund for WASH in Schools programmes in Kiribati, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, and subsequently over NZD 15 million from MFAT Negotiated Partnerships Fund. Her approach of engaging with government agencies and local communities has been crucial in tailoring programmes to meet specific needs and ensuring a sustainable impact.
- Engaging a team of multidisciplinary experts, Kirsty prepared concept notes and funding proposals to secure MFAT funding and enable detailed programme design, involving government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders, and encouraging other development partners to adopt and expand on MFAT's efforts.
Outcomes
Expert insights "Kirsty doesn't claim to have all the answers but assembles the right team of experts and streamlines the necessary information for concept proposals. She embraces challenges and focuses on getting it right from the start, clarifying technical issues and aligning community and government needs." Dr Jan Gregor, former Science Leader at ESR and collaborator with Kirsty in Kiribati and Vanuatu.
Key achievements Kirsty’s efforts have led to widespread improvements in WASH infrastructure and practices. At the community level, this translates to cleaner schools with adequate hand-washing and toilet facilities, and active involvement from locals in maintenance efforts. On a national scale, her work has facilitated collaboration among ministries, integrating WASH issues into school curricula and ensuring long-term sustainability through coordinated efforts.
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