International Journal of One Health, EISSN: 2455-8931 1 International Journal of One Health Available at www.onehealthjournal.org/Vol.10/No.1/1.pdf RESEARCH ARTICLE Open Access A qualitative analysis of the implementation of the water, sanitation, and hygiene in schools program in the Philippines using the One Health lens Soledad Natalia M. Dalisay 1 , Carlo R. Lumangaya 2 , Lorenzo Maria C. de Guzman 2 , Robert Neil F. Leong 2,3 , Taggart G. Siao 2 , Juan Alfonso Leonardia 4 , Chiqui de Verya 4 , and Vicente Y. Belizario Jr. 2,5 1. Department of Anthropology, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines; 2. Neglected Tropical Diseases Study Group, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines; 3. Department of Mathematics and Statistics, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines; 4. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH, Bonn, Germany; 5. Department of Parasitology, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines. Corresponding author: Soledad Natalia M. Dalisay, e-mail: smdalisay@up.edu.ph Co-authors: CRL: c_lumangaya@icloud.com, LMCG: lorenzomariadeguzman@gmail.com, RNFL: robert.leong.04@gmail.com, TGS: taggartsiao@gmail.com, JAL: juan.leonardia@giz.de, CV: chiqui.de@giz.de, VYB: vybelizario@up.edu.ph Received: 30-09-2023, Accepted: 11-12-2023, Published online: 12-01-2024 doi: www.doi.org/10.14202/IJOH.2024.1-11 How to cite this article: Dalisay SNM, Lumangaya CR, de Guzman LMC, Leong RNF, Siao TG, Leonardia JA, de Verya C, and Belizario VY, Jr. (2024) A qualitative analysis of the implementation of the water, sanitation, and hygiene in schools program in the Philippines using the One Health lens, Int. J. One Health, 10(1): 1–11. Abstract Background and Aim: Schools are ideal settings for interventions against diseases to develop sustainable and healthy behaviors that improve long-term health outcomes. The water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in Schools (WinS) program provides school-based interventions to address health concerns. The integration and practice of the One Health approach in schools may provide useful synergies for improved WinS program efficiency by harmonizing the multisectoral efforts of various stakeholders involved; therefore, this study aimed to revisit the WinS program using the One Health Lens. Materials and Methods: Qualitative methods employed included key informant interviews and focus groups to describe the status of WinS implementation in relation to community WASH and other health programs in the selected study sites using the One Health lens. Results: Good practices in WinS implementation, including public-private sector partnerships to finance construction of WinS facilities, recognition of outstanding schools and innovations to improve program measures, and intensified health education through multimedia channels, were identified. Challenges include deworming hesitancy, disruption of services due to pandemics and disasters, difficulties in sustainable financing of facilities and supplies, inclusive infrastructure, reaching Last Mile schools in Geographically Isolated, Disadvantaged, and Conflict Areas, and the need to connect WinS, community WASH, and other health programs. Conclusion: WASH has proven to be a viable vehicle for improving the health of people in schools and community settings. The study showed that health concerns require a concerted effort of public and private authorities. This study elicited the need to bridge the WASH program implemented in schools with community-based programs to ensure that policies are responsive and that logistic support is provided sustainably. Implementing the Universal Health Care Act and developing and using existing mechanisms for coordination between sectors, such as Healthy Learning Institutions, provide opportunities for aligning programs with the government health agenda. Keywords: one health approach, Philippines, WASH in communities, WASH in schools. Introduction Safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities are essential for health, survival, growth, and development. WASH interventions can be leveraged to target multiple infectious diseases and reduce the risk of novel zoonotic disease outbreaks and emerg- ing and reemerging diseases [1]. The sustainable development goals (SDGs) have targeted water and sanitation for all [2]. It is recommended that access to WASH should extend beyond the household setting and include institutions such as healthcare facilities and schools [3]. WASH in schools (WinS) contributes to SDG 3 (good health and well-being for all), SDG 4 (quality education), and SDG 6 (clean water and san- itation for all) [2]. Schools are ideal settings for preventive inter- ventions against common childhood diseases, devel- oping sustainable and healthy behaviors to improve long-term health outcomes, and facilitating health promotion [4]. Healthy and safe learning institutions support better teaching and learning. Promoting health in the school environment promotes a cycle of good Copyright: Dalisay, et al. 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