Primary Functions
- Learn about UNICEF’s strategies and tactics used in implementing a WASH response to COVID-19.
Detailed Description
UNICEF’s water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) scope of work in the COVID-19 response is to support affected, at-risk, low-capacity and fragile countries to secure WASH services and infection prevention control in health facilities, and sustain availability and access to WASH services in schools, households and community settings. This technical document outlines the overarching strategy and tactics for implementing the WASH response.
UNICEF’s WASH scope of action to contribute to COVID-19 strategic response plan pillars
Objective: Support affected, at-risk, low-capacity and fragile countries to secure WASH services and IPC in Health facilities and sustain availability and access to WASH services in schools, households and community settings.
Key expected outcomes:
- COs WASH programming is fully coordinated with MoH/WHO/Health actors as part of the national COVID-19 coordination mechanism set-up, enabling COs WASH section to prioritize and integrate WASH interventions
- In coordination with Health Sector, capacities are increased to assure continuity of WASH services and improve IPC measures in Health care facilities (HCFs) to reduce nosocomial transmission and contamination from health facilities to communities, as well as respond to the water and sanitation service demand resulting from increased number of patients
- Hygiene promotion activities targeting households, collective vulnerable sites and public spaces are well aligned with RCCE/C4D strategies, are specific to the disease known transmission route and aim to reduce the exposure to the disease at home and in communities
- Water, sanitation and hygiene services and products are made available for confined households or areas of high incidence with vulnerable groups, exposed collective sites and public spaces • WASH in Schools recommended measures are coordinated with Education Sector to ensure that they are integrated into safe school protocols, particularly for schools reopening
- Key essential IPC-WASH supplies requirements are identified at RO and CO level, and made available for immediate use
- Local water and sanitation authorities and utilities are supported to ensure business continuity and quality of water and sanitation services to avoid deterioration or collapse of essential public services as a secondary effect of outbreak
