In the aftermath of a natural disaster, the lives of affected individuals are upended, leaving them vulnerable to a myriad of challenges. Among the most pressing concerns is the urgent need for access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene resources. Recognizing this critical aspect of disaster response and recovery, the World Health Organization (WHO) has spearheaded the WASH initiative, emphasizing the significance of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in ensuring the safety and well-being of displaced citizens.
Closely aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) which aims to “ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all,” the WASH initiative highlights the importance of the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The Prometheus team considers the crucial role of WASH in post-disaster contexts and the broader implications for achieving global development goals in an effort to ensure the safety of all, especially in times of great need.
The Significance of Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene During Natural Disaster Response
By recognizing the importance and significance of hygiene practices and the WASH initiative in general, we can better understand their importance regarding natural disasters, disaster recovery, and disaster response. Looking through the natural disaster lens allows us to truly recognize the importance of initiatives like WASH and SDG 6.
Clean water is a fundamental resource necessary for human survival and well-being. In the wake of natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, or earthquakes, water sources are often contaminated or disrupted, leading to a severe scarcity of safe drinking water. This scarcity poses a significant health risk as individuals resort to using contaminated water, resulting in waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. The provision of clean water in disaster-affected areas is essential to prevent the outbreak and spread of diseases and maintain the overall health of displaced populations.
Disasters frequently damage or destroy sanitation infrastructure, leaving affected communities without access to proper toilets and sewage systems. The absence of adequate sanitation facilities exacerbates health risks and exposes individuals, most often women and children, to unhygienic conditions and privacy concerns. The provision of functional and safe sanitation facilities is vital to prevent the transmission of diseases and maintain human dignity and privacy (two key components of managing mental health) during chaos and displacement.
Hygiene practices play a critical role in preventing the spread of diseases in post-disaster environments. Displaced individuals often face overcrowded living conditions in temporary shelters or camps, making them more susceptible to infections and diseases. Proper hygiene practices, including handwashing with soap, can significantly reduce the transmission of diseases. Hygiene promotion programs, supported by the WASH initiative, aim to educate and empower affected populations on the importance of personal hygiene practices, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources to protect their health and wellbeing.
The Role of the WASH Initiative
The World Health Organization’s WASH initiative actively addresses the water, sanitation, and hygiene needs of displaced populations in the aftermath of natural disasters. By focusing on the following key areas, Prometheus can combine this initiative with active solutions, striving to ensure safety, well-being, and sustainable development:
WHO works closely with national and international partners to provide immediate assistance during and after natural disasters. Through rapid assessments and coordination efforts, they can help prioritize and address the urgent WASH needs of affected populations. This includes the provision of safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene supplies. Additionally, proper preparedness plans can acknowledge need for sanitation solutions and allocate resources accordingly ahead of disaster, ensuring proper attention to hygiene when needed.
The WASH initiative emphasizes rehabilitating and constructing water and sanitation infrastructure in disaster-affected areas. This includes repairing damaged water supply systems, constructing temporary sanitation facilities, and implementing long-term solutions for sustainable access to clean water and sanitation. By recognizing this requirement ahead of time, nations are better able to prepare for this need should it ever become apparent. Our comprehensive analysis aims to identify these opportunities to efficiently capitalize on them should disaster strike.
To ensure the sustainability of WASH interventions, the WHO supports capacity-building and training programs for local communities and government authorities. These initiatives empower individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and maintain water and sanitation facilities effectively. By promoting community ownership and involvement, the initiative strengthens resilience and promotes long-term sustainability. Prometheus believes that we can pair these resources with nation-developed training programs to create a well-equipped supply of informed first responders and volunteers.
Prioritizing WASH & SDG6
Acknowledging the importance of sanitation and hygiene practices, support, and initiatives is a great first step for us all. Nations hoping to take it one step further can create comprehensive disaster response plans that consider high-value needs – like hygiene and access to clean water – to ensure the prioritization of these needs throughout disaster response initiatives.
Interested in learning more about the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals? Click here to explore all 17. You can learn more about SDG 6 (including the 8 specific sub-targets) here. Explore more information about The WHO’s WASH initiative (including helpful resources available for download) here.
