Introduction

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) are fundamental to health and dignity during emergencies. In humanitarian crises, the lack of access to clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene services can lead to the rapid spread of disease and exacerbate suffering. This 5-day training course aims to equip humanitarian professionals with the practical skills, technical knowledge, and strategies to effectively deliver WASH services in crisis settings. From understanding the challenges to designing and implementing interventions, participants will gain a holistic understanding of WASH programming in complex, resource-constrained environments.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will:

1. Understand WASH Challenges in Humanitarian Crises: Gain a deep understanding of the WASH needs during emergencies and the risks posed by inadequate access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
2. Design and Implement WASH Interventions: Learn how to design and implement effective WASH responses tailored to the specific needs of affected populations, while considering local contexts.
3. Ensure Health and Safety in WASH Programs: Learn the best practices for delivering safe water, ensuring proper sanitation, and promoting hygiene practices to prevent disease outbreaks.
4. Work in Coordination with Other Humanitarian Sectors: Understand how WASH integrates with other humanitarian sectors, such as health, nutrition, and shelter.
5. Apply WASH Standards and Guidelines: Familiarize with international WASH standards (e.g., Sphere standards, WHO guidelines) and how to apply them in emergency situations.
6. Use Innovative Technologies and Approaches: Explore the latest technologies, methodologies, and tools in WASH, including mobile solutions, water treatment, and community-based approaches.
7. Monitor, Evaluate, and Scale WASH Programs: Learn the techniques for monitoring and evaluating WASH interventions to ensure effectiveness and sustainability.
8. Build Long-Term Resilience in WASH Services: Understand the role of WASH in long-term recovery and resilience-building in post-crisis settings.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

• Humanitarian Professionals working in WASH or related sectors in emergency contexts.
• NGO and INGO Staff involved in the design, implementation, or evaluation of WASH programs.
• Field Managers, Program Coordinators, and Technical Advisors responsible for WASH operations in disaster or conflict zones.
• Government Representatives involved in water, sanitation, and health services in humanitarian or disaster-affected areas.
• Health, Nutrition, and Protection Workers who want to understand the intersection between WASH and their own sectors.
• Engineers and technical experts responsible for water treatment, sanitation systems, and hygiene promotion in emergencies.
• Donors and funding agencies supporting WASH programming in crises.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to WASH in Humanitarian Contexts

• Morning Session: Overview of WASH and its Importance in Emergencies
  • The role of WASH in health, dignity, and survival during emergencies.
  • Understanding WASH needs in different crisis contexts: Natural disasters, conflict, displacement, and pandemics.
  • Key health risks: Waterborne diseases, diarrheal diseases, and vectors (e.g., cholera, dysentery).
  • Case study: The 2010 Haiti earthquake and the WASH response.
• Afternoon Session: WASH in Complex Humanitarian Settings
  • The challenges of providing WASH in urban, rural, and refugee settings.
  • Vulnerable populations: Women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
  • Access to WASH in conflict zones and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
  • Humanitarian principles: Do No Harm and ensuring equity in access to WASH services.

Day 2: Water Supply in Humanitarian Settings

• Morning Session: Water Sources and Treatment
  • Identifying and assessing water sources in emergency situations (groundwater, surface water, rainwater harvesting).
  • Technologies and methods for water treatment: Filtration, chlorination, reverse osmosis, and UV treatment.
  • The importance of water quality monitoring and testing.
  • Case study: The Syrian refugee crisis and the challenges of providing safe water in camps.
• Afternoon Session: Water Distribution Systems
  • Designing and implementing water distribution systems in emergencies: Tankers, pipes, and standpipes.
  • Using water trucking, bladders, and tanker trucks for emergency delivery.
  • Ensuring safe water storage at household level: Containers, storage tanks, and emergency water kits.
  • Ensuring adequate quantity of water: Sphere standards for water supply in emergencies.

Day 3: Sanitation and Waste Management in Emergencies

• Morning Session: Sanitation Solutions for Emergency Settings
  • Types of sanitation facilities: Pit latrines, chemical toilets, bladder toilets, and ecological sanitation.
  • Ensuring access to toilets: Siting, safety, and privacy considerations.
  • Handwashing stations and sanitation infrastructure in camps, shelters, and settlements.
  • Case study: Typhoon Haiyan (2013) response and emergency sanitation solutions.
• Afternoon Session: Waste Management and Hygiene Promotion
  • Solid waste management in emergency settings: Collection, transportation, and disposal.
  • Treatment of human waste: Safe disposal methods, including composting toilets, septic tanks, and biogas systems.
  • Community-led sanitation and waste management programs.
  • Hygiene promotion: Ensuring clean hands, safe water handling, and safe food practices.
  • Strategies for behavior change: Social and cultural considerations in promoting hygiene.

Day 4: Hygiene in Humanitarian Settings

• Morning Session: Hygiene Promotion and Education
  • Developing and implementing hygiene promotion campaigns: Handwashing, menstrual hygiene management (MHM), and safe food preparation.
  • Culturally sensitive hygiene programs: Adapting to local customs and beliefs.
  • The role of community health workers and volunteers in hygiene promotion.
  • Case study: Ebola outbreak response in West Africa and the role of hygiene promotion in controlling the spread.
• Afternoon Session: Hygiene Kits and Household Hygiene
  • Designing and distributing hygiene kits in emergency contexts: Essential items, distribution channels, and targeting.
  • Personal hygiene needs: Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and sanitary pads.
  • Integrating WASH with health and nutrition interventions: Addressing hygiene-related malnutrition and disease outbreaks.
  • Monitoring hygiene behavior and program effectiveness.

Day 5: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Long-Term Resilience in WASH

• Morning Session: Monitoring and Evaluation of WASH Programs
  • Tools and techniques for monitoring WASH interventions: Surveys, indicators, and data collection methods.
  • Conducting rapid needs assessments and water quality testing.
  • Evaluating program effectiveness: Impact assessments, satisfaction surveys, and coverage monitoring.
  • Adjusting programs based on monitoring results and feedback from communities.
• Afternoon Session: Building Long-Term Resilience and Sustainability
  • Transitioning from emergency relief to long-term development: Building resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene systems.
  • The role of WASH in post-crisis recovery and resilient cities.
  • Strengthening local capacity: Training, knowledge transfer, and community engagement.
  • Case study: The Philippines post-Typhoon Haiyan and efforts to build WASH resilience in affected communities.