Sanitation subsidies in Lao PDR

This brief explores the effectiveness of sanitation subsidies for vulnerable households in Lao PDR. It was developed to support the Government's aim to achieve nationwide Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status by 2025.

Through interviews with local government officials, sanitation businesses, and subsidy recipients, the study reveals that barriers to sanitation are multifaceted, necessitating adaptive, blended, and tailored strategies. Recommendations include tailoring demand-creation initiatives, ensuring fair household selection, introducing flexible subsidy models, and fostering private-sector collaboration to strengthen supply chains.

This brief underscores the importance of continuous sanitation support, follow-up activities, and collaboration. It offers actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and funders working towards contributing to the goal of sustainable sanitation for all.

Rachel Pringle, Sector Leader, SNV in Water (Lao PDR)

SNV, Rapid assessment brief: Lessons from providing material sanitation subsidies to last-mile households in Savannakhet Province, Vientiane, SNV, 2024.

Government of Lao PDR, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Government of Australia, University of Technology Sydney-Institute for Sustainable Futures and Water for Women Fund

Contact SNV's Water Team in Lao PDR.