Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim for universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) (SDG 6), and safe and inclusive learning environments for all (SDG 4). SDGs 4 and 6 also call special attention to the needs of persons with disabilities (PWDs). Reports indicate between 33% - 47% of schools in Africa do not have any form of WASH facility [1]. In many countries, achieving universal access to WASH services in schools will imply building and upgrading WASH facilities as well as ensuring that such facilities are disability friendly. Dr. Bisung recently conducted a scoping review to examine access to WASH services for PWDs in schools in Africa. Only 2 studies were found, and preliminary findings demonstrate that PWDs often experience WASH challenges including inaccessible latrines and boreholes, abuse, and discrimination [2,3].Subsequent interviews with policy makers in Ghana suggest that research to guide implementation of existing disability policies is key to addressing these challenges [4].This proposal aims to leverage findings from these previous research activities. Aligning with the objectives of this funding opportunity from CIHR, as well as the CCGHR Principles for Global Health Research, the purpose of this proposal is to: a) Bring together a multi-disciplinary team of researchers, health professionals, educators, disability organizations and policy makers to facilitate partnerships and identify common interests for funding opportunities; b) Enable this team to work together to identify research and intervention priorities related to inclusive WASH services in schools for PWDs; and c) Devise a plan for establishing partnerships and leveraging expertise between all stakeholders in order to develop a research agenda. The meeting will form the basis of future grant applications; including leveraging outputs to make grant submissions to CIHR's Project Scheme grant, DFID REACH Oxford program, and the Queen's University International Fund.