Making India Open Defecation Free (ODF) a Key to Improve Health Outcomes-Ingenious Narratives, Quiet Transitions & Road Ahead

Dr. Taruna Juneja Gandhi, Dr. Nishant Sagar

Abstract: With a vision to eliminate open defecation in the country and to have maximum health impact, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was launched. The mission offered subsidies to build toilets and make hygiene and sanitation a national priority. It is intended to have a significant improvement in health indicators, such as fewer water-borne diseases, improved mother and child health, along tackling safety issues for women and girls. The political will supporting the programme implementation has been remarkable and it is being implemented in a mission mode. However, the programme lacks clarity regarding the health impact indicators and these indicators are being erratically reported; the state-wise, region-wise stratification of health impact remains untapped in the programme. The article explores issues related to the SBM programme implementation, its monitoring and evaluation. The paper gives pragmatic recommendations for policymakers and programme implementers that should be prioritized through following an integrated and holistic approach through implementing SBCC activities; defining important health indicators and their regular monitoring. The policy-makers need to act to bring about a shift from the 'increasing access through toilet provisioning' narrative to 'actual long-term uptake of healthy hygiene and sanitation habits' through showing tangible and visible change in the health outcomes.

Keywords: Swachh Bharat Mission, Open Defecation Free (ODF), Social Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC), Swachhata Hi Seva, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

How to Cite?: Dr. Taruna Juneja Gandhi, Dr. Nishant Sagar, "Making India Open Defecation Free (ODF) a Key to Improve Health Outcomes-Ingenious Narratives, Quiet Transitions & Road Ahead", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 910-912, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251210134608, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251210134608