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Zero Diarrhea: Nationwide Search for Barangays with the Best Sanitation Practices

In the Philippines, at least 20 million people do not have access to basic sanitation facilities, and this adversely affects surface and groundwater resources. Thousands suffer from diarrhea and other preventable water-borne diseases, claiming thousands of lives each day, with children as the most vulnerable group.

The Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) is taking a more proactive role in finding solutions to the country’s sanitation problems. One activity is the granting of Zero Diarrhea awards for barangays (villages) with the best sanitation practices. DOH conducted a nationwide search January to December 2008 with the help of Centers for Health Development–Regional Technical Working Groups, Provincial Health Offices, and Local Government Units.

ADB joined the DOH in recognizing the 28 winning barangays by hosting an awarding ceremony at ADB Headquarters.

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The initiative aimed to

• Disseminate information on the importance of sanitation and its impact on people’s health
• Encourage local governments to initiate and promote sanitation activities
• Recognize exemplary barangays and showcase their best sanitation practices

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DOH and ADB presented the Zero Diarrhea Award to a total of 28 barangays, chosen from among 42,000 other Philippine villages, for implementing the best sanitation practices in the country. Each winning barangay was awarded a plaque and PhP150,000 cash prize.

The ceremony was attended by about 200 city and municipal mayors, municipal health officers, village officials, and representatives from the Centers for Health Development, Provincial Health Offices, DOH, and ADB.

View the list of awardees. [ PDF ]

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The event was organized by the Philippines’ DOH, with ADB support.

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City and municipal mayors, municipal health officers, and village officials from the different barangay-awardees and DOH representatives attended the event.