Addressing WASH Needs of Vulnerable Groups in Disaster-Affected Communities

Understanding the WASH Landscape in Crisis-Prone Areas

Disaster-affected communities often face immense challenges in accessing basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. In Kenya, for example, the compounding impacts of prolonged drought, devastating floods, disease outbreaks, and ongoing conflicts have left vulnerable populations with severely limited access to clean water, proper sanitation facilities, and essential hygiene practices.

The situation is dire, with an estimated 330,000 internally displaced individuals as of July 2024 due to the combined effects of drought and floods. Vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, are disproportionately impacted, facing heightened risks of waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and protection issues. Without access to adequate WASH services, the health, safety, and well-being of these communities are severely compromised.

Addressing the WASH needs of disaster-affected populations is crucial not only for immediate survival, but also for long-term recovery, resilience, and sustainable development. By prioritizing inclusive, equitable, and evidence-based WASH interventions, we can transform the lives of the most vulnerable and support them in overcoming the devastating impacts of crises.

Identifying Barriers and Vulnerabilities

Disaster-affected communities often face a complex web of barriers that prevent them from accessing essential WASH services. These barriers can include:

1. Damage to WASH Infrastructure: Natural disasters and conflicts can destroy or severely damage water supply systems, sanitation facilities, and hygiene infrastructure, leaving communities without access to basic services.

2. Displacement and Disruption of Services: Forced displacement due to crises can disrupt the continuity of WASH services, as displaced populations may lack access to their usual water sources and sanitation facilities.

3. Increased Demand and Strain on Resources: Influxes of displaced populations can overwhelm existing WASH systems, leading to shortages, overcrowding, and unsanitary conditions in temporary settlements or host communities.

4. Disproportionate Impacts on Vulnerable Groups: Women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities often face heightened WASH-related challenges, including increased risk of gender-based violence, limited access to menstrual hygiene management, and difficulties in accessing WASH facilities.

5. Breakdown of Community-Level Support: Crises can disrupt traditional community-based WASH management systems, leaving vulnerable populations without their usual support networks and coping mechanisms.

6. Limited Capacity and Resources of Authorities: Local and national authorities in disaster-affected areas may lack the financial resources, technical expertise, and institutional capacity to effectively plan, coordinate, and implement sustainable WASH interventions.

7. Weak Monitoring and Accountability Mechanisms: Inadequate data collection, monitoring, and accountability systems can hinder the ability to identify and address the unique WASH needs of different population groups in crisis-affected regions.

Understanding these barriers and vulnerabilities is crucial for designing and implementing WASH interventions that truly meet the needs of disaster-affected communities, especially the most marginalized groups.

Prioritizing Inclusive and Equitable WASH Approaches

To effectively address the WASH needs of vulnerable groups in disaster-affected communities, a comprehensive and inclusive approach is essential. This approach should encompass the following key elements:

1. Participatory Community Engagement

Engage with diverse community members, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, to understand their specific WASH needs, preferences, and concerns. Empower these groups to actively participate in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of WASH interventions, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are prioritized.

2. Targeted Assessments and Data Collection

Conduct detailed needs assessments and data collection efforts that disaggregate information by gender, age, disability, and other relevant factors. This will help identify the unique WASH challenges faced by different population groups and inform the design of tailored interventions.

3. Accessibility and Inclusive Design

Ensure that WASH facilities and services are physically, socially, and economically accessible to all, including those with mobility, sensory, or cognitive impairments. Incorporate universal design principles to create environments that are safe, dignified, and welcoming for all users.

4. Capacity Building and Empowerment

Invest in strengthening the capacity of local authorities, service providers, and community-based organizations to plan, implement, and manage inclusive WASH programs. Empower these stakeholders to champion the rights and needs of vulnerable groups, fostering a more equitable and sustainable WASH sector.

5. Integrated Service Delivery

Coordinate WASH interventions with other essential services, such as health, education, and protection, to address the multifaceted needs of disaster-affected populations in a holistic manner. This can enhance the impact and sustainability of WASH initiatives.

6. Accountability and Grievance Mechanisms

Establish robust monitoring, evaluation, and feedback systems that enable the active participation of community members, especially the most marginalized, in assessing the quality and responsiveness of WASH services. Ensure that effective grievance redressal mechanisms are in place to address any issues or concerns.

7. Advocacy and Policy Engagement

Advocate for the prioritization of vulnerable groups’ WASH needs in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery plans at the local, national, and regional levels. Engage with policymakers and duty bearers to ensure that inclusive WASH is embedded in relevant policies, strategies, and budgets.

By adopting this comprehensive and inclusive approach, WASH interventions can more effectively reach and empower the most vulnerable members of disaster-affected communities, contributing to their overall health, safety, and resilience.

Illustrating Inclusive WASH Interventions in Action

To bring the principles of inclusive WASH to life, let’s explore some concrete examples of how this approach has been implemented in crisis-affected contexts:

Ensuring Access to Safe Water in Displacement Camps

In the aftermath of the devastating floods in Kenya, IOM established four water kiosks and a 2,000-meter pipeline extension in the Arlaadi camp to provide free access to safe and equitable drinking water for displaced families. This initiative not only addressed the immediate water needs of the community but also engaged camp residents, particularly women and children, in the management and monitoring of the water points, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment.

Promoting Menstrual Hygiene Management in Schools

In disaster-prone areas of Bangladesh, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) worked with schools to improve access to private and hygienic sanitation facilities, as well as to provide menstrual hygiene products and education. This multi-faceted approach ensured that girls could manage their menstrual cycles with dignity, reducing absenteeism and promoting gender equity in education.

Strengthening Community-Based WASH Governance

In the aftermath of the South Asian tsunami, IOM collaborated with local authorities and community leaders in Indonesia to revitalize and strengthen community-based WASH management systems. This included establishing village-level WASH committees, training community members on maintenance and monitoring, and promoting equitable representation of women and marginalized groups in decision-making processes. This approach helped to sustain WASH services and build community resilience in the face of future crises.

Integrating WASH with Health and Protection Services

In displacement settings in Yemen, the IRC adopted an integrated approach, linking WASH interventions with essential health and protection services. This included the provision of menstrual hygiene supplies, private bathing facilities, and referral pathways for gender-based violence survivors, addressing the holistic needs of women and girls in a crisis context.

These examples demonstrate how the principles of inclusive WASH can be translated into practical, context-specific interventions that empower vulnerable groups and build resilient communities in the face of disasters and crises.

Fostering Collaborative Partnerships for Inclusive WASH

Addressing the WASH needs of disaster-affected communities requires a collaborative approach that brings together a diverse range of stakeholders. By fostering strategic partnerships, we can leverage the expertise, resources, and networks of various actors to deliver more effective and sustainable WASH solutions.

Key partners in this endeavor include:

• Government Authorities: National and local governments play a crucial role in setting policies, allocating resources, and coordinating disaster response and recovery efforts. Engaging with these authorities is essential for aligning WASH interventions with broader development plans and ensuring long-term sustainability.

• United Nations and International Organizations: Agencies such as UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) bring technical expertise, global resources, and coordinated approaches to address the WASH needs of crisis-affected populations.

• Civil Society Organizations and Community-Based Groups: Local and international NGOs, as well as community-based organizations, can provide valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by vulnerable groups and help to ensure that WASH interventions are culturally appropriate and responsive to community needs.

• Private Sector Actors: Businesses and social enterprises can contribute innovative technologies, financing mechanisms, and service delivery models to improve the accessibility and affordability of WASH services, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

• Academic and Research Institutions: Collaborating with universities, research centers, and think tanks can generate the evidence base needed to inform policy, design effective interventions, and track the progress and impact of inclusive WASH initiatives.

• Donor Agencies and Financing Institutions: Securing sustainable funding and investment is crucial for scaling up inclusive WASH programs. Engaging with bilateral and multilateral donors, as well as development banks, can help to mobilize the necessary resources.

By fostering these diverse partnerships and coordinating their efforts, we can create a more holistic and impactful approach to addressing the WASH needs of vulnerable groups in disaster-affected communities. This collaborative spirit is essential for transforming lives, building resilience, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of universal access to safe water and sanitation by 2030.

Conclusion: Toward a More Inclusive and Resilient WASH Future

Addressing the WASH needs of vulnerable groups in disaster-affected communities is a critical challenge that requires a comprehensive, inclusive, and collaborative approach. By understanding the barriers and vulnerabilities faced by these populations, prioritizing targeted interventions, and fostering strategic partnerships, we can work towards a future where all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, have equitable access to safe water, adequate sanitation, and proper hygiene practices.

This vision of inclusive WASH is not only a moral imperative, but also a key driver of sustainable development, public health, and community resilience. By empowering the most vulnerable and marginalized, we can unlock their full potential, improve their well-being, and support their active participation in the recovery and rebuilding of their communities.

The Joint Action for Water blog is committed to amplifying these important stories, sharing best practices, and inspiring others to join us in this crucial endeavor. Together, we can create a more equitable and resilient WASH landscape, where no one is left behind.