USAID/Rotary sign MoU to improve water, sanitation & hygiene 

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Rotary International have signed an agreement to improve water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in Ghana’s most vulnerable communities. 

The U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Robert P. Jackson, the USAID, Ghana Mission Director, Andrew Karas, Past Assistant Governor of Rotary International, Ako Odotei and Past District Governor of Rotary International, Adotei Brown were present at the signing today, August 23 at the U. S. Embassy in Accra.

A statement issued in Accra by the Public Affairs Section of the Embassy of the United States of America in Ghana and copied to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, (GBC), said the agreement marks the second phase of the partnership between USAID and Rotary International. 

According to the statement, from 2009 to 2013, USAID and Rotary International cooperated to improve the WASH practices of more than 46,000 people. 

It said in this larger second phase, USAID will be providing $16.7 million and Rotary International will be providing $2 million to improve WASH services in deprived urban and rural communities, with an emphasis on supporting access to improved sanitation facilities. 

Sanitation is a primary focus because 85 percent of the population lacks access to improved sanitation.
 
“I could not be happier to partner with Rotary International to bring thousands of Ghanaians improved water, sanitation, and hygiene,” said Ambassador Jackson at the signing ceremony. “Together, we will give more children the opportunity to grow into healthy, well nourished, educated, and thriving adults.”  

It noted that the signing of the agreement furthers the goals of USAID’s integrated Health, Population, and Nutrition Program, which works to improve the health and well-being of Ghanaians, particularly its most vulnerable populations. 

“USAID partners with the Government of Ghana and private sector organizations like Rotary International to achieve sustainable development WASH goals in the country.” The statement concluded.

GBC