"Guardians of Public Health: The Pivotal Role of Community Health Nurses in Advancing Safe Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Programs"

Abstract: Safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are fundamental determinants of health and essential components of disease prevention and health promotion. Globally, inadequate access to clean water and sanitation continues to contribute significantly to the burden of communicable diseases, malnutrition, maternal and child morbidity, and health inequities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Community Health Nurses (CHNs), positioned at the interface between health systems and communities, play a critical role in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and sustainability of WASH programs. This review examines the multifaceted role of community health nurses in WASH initiatives, emphasizing health education, community mobilization, behavior change communication, surveillance, policy advocacy, and intersectoral collaboration. It explores the impact of nursing-led WASH interventions on disease prevention, maternal and child health outcomes, and overall community well-being. Challenges faced by nurses in implementing WASH programs, including resource constraints, sociocultural barriers, and infrastructural limitations, are discussed alongside future directions and policy implications. Strengthening the role of community health nurses in WASH programs is essential for achieving sustainable development goals and improving population health outcomes.