WASH for everyone, everywhere: marketplaces as a multiplex pathway for improving inclusive access to water, sanitation, and hygiene in Vanuatu.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for access to safe WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) practices, especially in non-household settings. This study examined the COVID response measures and WASH infrastructure and services situation in and around 14 marketplaces in three provinces in the Republic of Vanuatu during the pandemic. A total of 144 surveys and 42 interviews were undertaken with market stakeholders and government officials, including structured observations. 93% of the vendors were women, with 43% forced to change their product during COVID. 56% of vendors brought their own water containers, 40% of whom shared them with family; 16% of vendors had visible soap at their stalls. Rural market vendors were less likely to follow or observe protective measures. Six of seven rainwater tanks at markets tested positive for Escherichia coli. Among other things, the highly gendered space of 'marketing' and the centrality of marketplaces to both local food security and livelihoods brings into sharp relief the multiplex and inter-connected character of WASH. Marketplaces stand as an optimal 'leverage point' for not only improving and scaling-up WASH services but also building greater WASH literacy and behavior change.