In almost all emergency contexts, there is a basic need to establish access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). According to the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response:
Water and sanitation are critical determinants for survival in the initial stages of a disaster. People affected by disasters are generally much more susceptible to illness and death from disease, which to a large extent are related to inadequate sanitation, inadequate water supplies and inability to maintain good hygiene.
WASH interventions should therefore:
- provide access to safe water and sanitation
- promote good hygiene practice with dignity, comfort and security
- reduce preventable waterborne and communicable diseases
In particular, WHO has provided guidelines on sanitation and health that should also be considered with WASH.
WASH maps
Different map products can be created for WASH related information and data and these can be explored in the following sections:
WASH resources
Different map products can be created for WASH related information and data and these can be explored in the following sections:
