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Safe water and inclusive aid: Sphere’s impact in WASH
By Elizabeth M. Valmoria, Assistance and Cooperation for Community Resilience and Development (ACCORD)
Context
Delivering quality humanitarian aid requires teams well-versed in key humanitarian frameworks like Sphere Standards, the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), and Humanitarian Inclusion Standards. These guide effective, inclusive, and sustainable aid. Assistance and Cooperation for Community Resilience and Development (ACCORD), partner of Sphere’s focal point in Asia, the Disaster Risk Reduction Network Philippines (DRRNetPhils), frequently holds capacity-building sessions for its staff. These trainings help deepen understanding of these humanitarian standards, enabling effective application during interventions. This also ensures that partner communities and local government units (LGUs) are equipped with the knowledge to apply these standards during future crises.
Rapid Response: Water Filtration in Oras, Eastern Samar
In late 2023, heavy rains triggered massive floods in Eastern Samar, contaminating water sources and displacing thousands of families. Clean drinking water became an urgent need, especially in remote areas where access to safe water was limited. In response, ACCORD deployed a water filtration unit through GFFO-funded ECT WASH and ECHO-funded ACCESS Projects. Guided by Sphere Standards, the unit produced over 10,000 litres of clean water daily, serving over 500 people (⇒ WASH 2.1: Access and water quantity, key indicators).
This intervention not only addressed the immediate water needs but also promoted environmental sustainability by reducing plastic waste from bottled water. Community members were given orientation on the proper use and maintenance of the filtration unit, along with instructions on safe water storage(⇒ WASH 2.2: Water quality, guidance notes). Water quality testing was also conducted to ensure compliance with health standards (⇒ WASH 2.2: Water quality, indicators).
Early Recovery: Community Water Point Construction
In the early recovery phase, communal water points were constructed following Sphere Standards. The construction process involved significant community engagement, ensuring sustainability and accessibility for all (⇒ WASH 2.1: Access and water quantity, guidance notes). Local actors and residents participated in planning and maintaining these water points. Key considerations included:
- Water Quality Testing: Regular testing ensured the water met safety standards (⇒ WASH 2.2: Water quality, indicators).
- Accessibility: Water points were placed near households, considering both convenience and safety (⇒ WASH 2.1: Access and water quantity, guidance notes).
- Inclusive Design: Ramps and lever-type faucets were included to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges (⇒ WASH 2.1: Access and water quantity, guidance notes).
- Proper Drainage: Drainage systems were built to prevent stagnant water, reducing the risk of disease spread (⇒ WASH 2.1: Access and water quantity, key actions).
Hygiene Promotion and Hygiene Kits
Hygiene promotion and distribution of hygiene kits were integral to the intervention. The contents of the kits were tailored to meet community needs following consultations. Barangay (village) health workers conducted awareness sessions on:
- Proper Handwashing: Emphasising soap and water use to prevent disease (⇒ WASH 1.1: Hygiene promotion, key actions).
- Safe Water Storage: Educating communities on safe handling of water to avoid contamination (⇒ WASH 2.2: Water quality, key indicators).
- Food Hygiene: Sharing safe food handling and storage practices (⇒ WASH 1.1: Hygiene promotion, key indicators).
- F-Diagram: A visual tool explaining how poor sanitation leads to disease transmission (⇒ WASH 1.1: Hygiene promotion, key actions).
- Washable Sanitary Pads: Special sessions promoted sustainable menstrual hygiene practices (⇒ WASH 1.3: Menstrual hygiene management and incontinence, guidance notes).
Inclusion of Vulnerable Populations
The Humanitarian Inclusion Standards ensured that vulnerable groups, such as persons with disabilities and older people, were not left behind. Specific accommodations were made, such as accessible water points (⇒ WASH 2: Addressing barriers, key actions) and targeted hygiene sessions (⇒ WASH 2: Addressing barriers, key actions) that addressed their unique needs.
Looking ahead
By applying Sphere Standards in WASH activities, ACCORD successfully delivered more effective, inclusive, and environmentally responsible aid. The integration of community engagement, sustainability, and continuous learning has helped improve the resilience and quality of humanitarian interventions.