Public Health in WASH during Emergencies Course

Introduction                                                             

The Public Health in WASH during Emergencies Course is designed to build the capacity of professionals working in humanitarian and disaster-prone settings to effectively implement Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions that safeguard public health. In emergency contexts, disruptions in water supply, sanitation systems, and hygiene practices often lead to the rapid spread of communicable diseases. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of how to assess, plan, and deliver appropriate WASH responses that reduce health risks and meet the immediate and long-term needs of affected populations.

Participants will explore the public health principles that underpin WASH programming in emergencies, with a focus on disease prevention, outbreak control, and community engagement. The course covers key thematic areas such as water quality and quantity standards, excreta disposal, hygiene promotion, vector control, and solid waste management in emergency settings. It emphasizes the importance of coordinating with public health, nutrition, shelter, and protection sectors to deliver holistic, people-centered interventions.

Real-world case studies and practical simulations will expose learners to complex humanitarian scenarios including conflict-affected areas, refugee camps, natural disasters, and cholera outbreaks. Through these hands-on activities, participants will gain the skills to design and implement context-appropriate WASH strategies that address immediate needs while contributing to the resilience of communities. The course also integrates cross-cutting issues such as gender, equity, climate adaptation, and accountability to affected populations.

By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the technical knowledge and practical tools needed to lead or support effective WASH interventions that mitigate public health risks in emergency situations. Whether working with NGOs, UN agencies, government bodies, or development partners, participants of this course will be empowered to make critical, evidence-based decisions that protect and promote the health of vulnerable communities during crises.

Duration

5 days

Who should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

·       WASH practitioners and engineers working with NGOs, UN agencies, or government institutions involved in emergency response.

·       Public health officers and environmental health professionals responsible for preventing disease outbreaks and ensuring community health in crisis settings.

·       Disaster risk reduction and emergency response coordinators involved in planning and implementing lifesaving interventions during humanitarian emergencies.

·       Humanitarian program managers, technical advisors, and field coordinators seeking to strengthen their technical knowledge and response capacity in WASH and public health.

·       Medical and health professionals such as nurses, epidemiologists, and health educators working in emergency or low-resource settings.

·       Researchers, and academics in the fields of public health, environmental science, international development, or humanitarian assistance looking to specialize in WASH-related emergencies.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course the learners should be able to:

·       Understand the role of WASH in protecting public health during emergencies and humanitarian crises, and identify the link between inadequate WASH services and the spread of diseases.

·       Apply key public health and WASH principles to assess needs, plan interventions, and monitor the effectiveness of emergency WASH programs in diverse emergency settings.

·       Design and implement context-appropriate WASH responses, including water supply, sanitation facilities, hygiene promotion, and vector control, tailored to emergency conditions.

·       Utilize international standards and guidelines such as SPHERE, WHO, and UNICEF frameworks for WASH programming in emergencies to ensure quality and accountability.

·       Integrate cross-cutting issues such as gender, protection, disability inclusion, climate resilience, and community participation into emergency WASH planning and implementation.

·       Coordinate effectively with health, shelter, nutrition, and protection sectors to deliver multi-sectoral public health interventions that minimize disease transmission and enhance community resilience.

·       Respond to disease outbreaks by identifying WASH-related risk factors and implementing timely, evidence-based public health measures.

·       Critically analyze case studies and lessons learned from past emergencies to improve future WASH and public health response strategies.

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to WASH and Public Health in Emergencies

• Overview of WASH in humanitarian contexts
• The relationship between WASH and public health outcomes
• Key WASH-related diseases in emergencies (e.g., cholera, typhoid, hepatitis)
• Humanitarian principles and the public health imperative

Module 2: Emergency Water Supply and Quality

• Water needs and standards in emergencies (SPHERE, WHO)
• Water sourcing, treatment, storage, and distribution in crisis settings
• Water quality testing and monitoring
• Risk management in emergency water supply systems

Module 3: Sanitation in Emergency Settings

• Sanitation options for displaced populations
• Site planning and design of emergency latrines and excreta disposal systems
• Fecal sludge management in emergencies
• Environmental considerations and sustainability

Module 4: Hygiene Promotion and Community Engagement

• Key hygiene behaviors for disease prevention
• Approaches to hygiene promotion (PHAST, CHAST, CLTS, MHM)
• Cultural sensitivity and behavior change strategies
• Community engagement and accountability mechanisms

Module 5: Disease Outbreak Control and Public Health Surveillance

• WASH-related disease transmission and control strategies
• Outbreak preparedness and response (e.g., cholera, Ebola)
• Surveillance systems and early warning indicators
• WASH interventions for infection prevention and control (IPC)

Module 6: Vector Control and Solid Waste Management

• Public health importance of vector control
• Integrated vector management strategies in emergencies
• Safe disposal of solid waste and medical waste
• Rodent and insect control measures

Module 7: Cross-cutting Issues in Emergency WASH

• Gender, protection, and disability inclusion in WASH
• Climate change and its impact on WASH and public health
• Coordination and collaboration with health, nutrition, and shelter sectors
• Ethical considerations and safeguarding in WASH programming

Module 8: Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation of WASH Interventions

• Needs assessments and rapid WASH surveys
• Setting objectives, indicators, and targets
• Monitoring frameworks and tools for WASH programs
• Learning from evaluations and applying lessons to future responses

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com Tel: +254 721 331 808

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Upskill Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Upskill certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com, +254 721 331 808

Terms of Payment

Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties payment of the course fee should be done 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better.