Global WASH Cluster

Providing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) to emergency-affected populations is necessary for dignity and
disease control. Coordination, via the ‘cluster approach’, is key to WASH program success. We summarized the
outcomes and impacts of WASH cluster coordination using a mixed-methods approach, including literature review,
summary of UNICEF documents, and key informant interviews with experienced cluster staff. Across these three
data sets, consistent themes were identified, including: the cluster approach as a cost-effective ‘best-fit’ model that

Market  based  programming  is  increasingly  heralded  as  having  a  critical  place  in  the  future  of  humanitarian  programming.  The  proposed  benefits  of  working  through  existing  market  systems  include  improvements  to  speed,  efficiency  and  effectiveness  of  programming  and  increased  beneficiary  dignity  and  choice.    Advocates  for  market  based  approaches  claim  that,  where  feasible,  they  promote  economic  recovery,  resilience,  acceptance  and  sustainability.

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) response in urban contexts has been identified by the Global WASH Learning Project as a priority for technical learning in the sector. The increased numbers of earthquakes and cyclones have brought us all closer to urban environments, yet it is recognised that many agencies lack adequate skills to address the complex challenges involved. Urban flooding is one type of emergency that requires a WASH response. Material in the paper is based both on a rapid review of literature, and on outputs from a learning workshop held in Haiti in March 2009.