The WASH program promotes international water and sanitation standards by advocating for the development and maintenance of essential processes among stakeholders. This highlights the importance of a consistent, reliable environment for drinking water and hygiene, supported by prevention, design, and operational strategies with effective management at every relevant level. It also encourages new educational approaches for the community, promoting participation and raising awareness among women, children, and the most vulnerable groups. The program aims to implement intersectional approaches to incorporate assessment and strategic sanitation systems that can be made globally accessible, safeguarding health in water sources.
Additionally, the WASH program supports standards by securing necessary alliances from authorities and stakeholders to develop, implement, and maintain quality systems for monitoring water quality, conveying data, and addressing any water quality issues. The program was established to promote harmony both nationally and globally while upholding the right to safe, clean water and proper sanitation. It aims to advocate for quality water safety plans and collaborate with organizations that develop these health plans. Leaders of this initiative will engage influential figures to consistently prioritize global prevention efforts. WASH enhances public health by reducing annual deaths caused by diseases originating from drinking water and inadequate sanitation services. This approach is a primary defense against outbreaks of infectious diseases and is essential for safeguarding communities. WASH standards will support health initiatives by ensuring successful outcomes. This strategy is also critical to improving maternal and child health, food security, and health emergencies. The health initiatives created by WASH form the foundation for addressing global health priorities.
To establish a WASH camp for 5,000 people, the first consideration is the camp’s size, which is crucial for preventing overcrowding. Overcrowding can increase stress among campers and workers, potentially raising mortality rates. The internal and external capacity of these shelters is vital to their success. Site planning should begin by assessing each family’s individual needs, including showers, waste management, and access to services. It is also important to consider cultural factors, such as home layouts and preferences, to increase satisfaction and a sense of ownership among families. These WASH camps will aim to meet basic needs and provide access to healthy water sources and quality sanitation facilities. To ensure the community’s long-term health, WASH involvement will help improve sanitation quality among refugees by identifying gaps and needs, ranging from more systematic drainage systems to practical interventions within these camps.
WASH will work with public health agencies to address waterborne illnesses, aiming to reduce health risks associated with poor water quality and sanitation. Ensuring a safe and adequate water supply for the community is essential. Other necessary facilities for maintaining water quality, hygiene, and sanitation include provisions for feminine hygiene, especially during menstruation. Men and women with bodily fluid issues should have access to necessary products, supporting their dignity. It is also crucial to ensure that water used for cooking and drinking is safe and does not pose health risks, and that toilets are properly functioning (UNHCR, n.d.). One of the most critical aspects is to maintain minimum WASH standards to prevent disease outbreaks.
Scope of Costs Associated with the WASH Quality Improvement Action Plan
The cost of the WASH quality improvement plan over a comprehensive period is estimated to exceed $200 million. “The costliest intervention would be on water service (US$238 million), followed by linen reprocessing (US$112 million), sanitation (US$104 million), surface cleaning (US$80 million), medical device reprocessing (US$56 million), and hand hygiene (US$52 million)” (Tseng, 2020). The long-term costs of the improvement plan will require significant efforts from both federal and local governments committed to these economic investments. These costs will also include capital expenses for materials, labor, and system development for water quality. Other components may involve increased waste management quantity and quality, with investments directed towards this sector.
Potential Funding Sources for Quality Improvement Project
Prospective funding sources for this improvement project include government, private sectors, and NGOs. Government funding is the most common and successful source, comprising grants, taxes, and budgets to support development. The government is a crucial resource for emerge