Committed leadership, evidence-based policies and plans, effective institutions, and coordinated action are all needed to end water and sanitation related preventable deaths. Globally and in at least 20 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia this programme will Strengthen water leadership by focusing national and international attention on water governance, building political will and fostering collaboration between stakeholders to deliver nationally agreed objectives for water and sanitation. Generate critical evidence, norms and standards to inform climate-resilient water and sanitation policies and plans and review progress. Drive progress by focusing national efforts on identifying and resolving bottlenecks to improve sector performance and by linking creditworthy institutions with new sources of finance.