ABSTRACT: Within the goals of the Protocol on Water and Health, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republic of Srpska) has set the goal on improving WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) in primary schools. The baseline WASH survey at primary schools is planned as the first activity in its achievement. The overarching goal of school-based WASH is to improve sustainability of hygiene, sanitation and water supply services. Such services are a core component of infection prevention and control. The aim of the research is to examine the state of WASH in primary schools in the Republic of Srpska. The research is a cross-sectional epidemiological study conducted from September 2019 to March 2020 in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Conditions of WASH were assessed in 67 primary schools. The results of a survey showed that all investigated schools provided basic water services, 75.7 % of toilets provided basic sanitary services and 61.2 % of hand washing facilities provided basic hygiene services. The results revealed that there is a need for increased awareness and efforts to ensure basic provisions for sanitation, hygiene and drinking-water safety. Such measures are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

 

Keywords: hygiene, sanitation, schools, water, WASH.