WASH Cluster – Excreta Disposal
E2
Session Plan
E2 – Sanitation linkages
Morning Session
E0Introduction
E1–Cluster
intro
30 mins
30 mins
E2-Sanitation E3-Sanitation E4-Immediate
linkages
assessment
sanitation
solutions
30 mins
45 mins
45 mins
E5-Local
regulations and
best practice
E6-Short term
solutions: Case
study
30 mins
45 mins
Session-at-a-Glance
Session Activities
Group discussion on sanitation linkages and
overlaps with other sectors
Discussion on safe disposal and containment
of excreta and barriers to transmission
Discussion on health risks in an emergency
Total time
Approx.
Time
10 mins
10 mins
10 mins
30 mins
Instructional Activity
Brainstorm in groups, collect
ideas on cards
Group discussion
Plenary discussion
Session Aims

To establish links between sanitation, water supply, and hygiene promotion, and with
other sectors - health, nutrition, shelter. The importance of safe sanitation, health risks
in an emergency
Session Objectives
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

Discuss the linkages of sanitation and areas that overlap with other sectors.

Describe the “F” Diagram, where safe disposal of excreta is a primary objective,

Discuss the importance of hygiene promotion/ handwashing / water quality/ fly
control & other objectives linked to the “F” diagram
Session Materials

Computer and projector

Flipchart

Enough cards for the group (at least 4 per person)

Coloured markers

F-diagram as a handout (1 per person)
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WASH Cluster – Excreta Disposal
E2
Key Messages

Importance of combining water, hygiene and sanitation to maximise impact.

Importance of understanding the specific contexts and designing programmes
accordingly

Overcrowded & unhygienic conditions can lead to rapid development & spread of
diseases

A population already weakened by the causes of the emergency is very vulnerable to
disease
Facilitator Guidance

General texts:
o
Cairncross, S & Feachem, R (1999, 2nd edition) ‘Environmental Health
Engineering in the Tropics, An Introductory Text’, John Wiley & Sons
o
Ferron, S, Morgan, J and O’Reilly (2007) ‘Hygiene Promotion, A Practical Manual
for Relief and Development’ (updated version), ITDG Publications
Session plan
Slides 1-2 20 mins
1. Ask the group “What is sanitation”. Record answers on a
flipchart
2. Group discussion activity. Split into small groups. Discuss
the sanitation linkages and overlaps with other sectors.
For example key links with health actors, esp. public
health, water provision, shelter, education, nutrition,
planning, public bodies eg council, municipality, local
authorities. Hand out cards or post-its to each group to
record their answers. When back in plenary cluster the
cards together, hopefully in a series of overlapping circles.
Lead into a discussion on ways of opening/maintaining
communication avenues eg through events, regular
meetings, combined strategies etc
Slides 3-5 10 mins
3. In new groups discuss the ‘F’ diagram which should be
provided as a handout. Ask them to discuss this and
place the barriers to interrupt transmission. Make sure
links to hygiene promotion and hand washing are
mentioned.
Session Plan – E2
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WASH Cluster – Excreta Disposal
E2
4. The graph represents the impact of different
components of a water and sanitation programme on
the incidence of diarrhoea - showing the importance of
handwashing, sanitation, and household water quality.
The data usually triggers a lot of controversy as it is
difficult to separate out the different elements and all
are important e.g. you cannot effectively wash hands
without water. The studies also relate to the
developmental context rather than to emergencies. Emphasis that these three
components usually form the major focus of hygiene promotion in emergencies.
5. Using slide on emergencies ask group why sanitation
is important in this situation. Include points on lack
of basic facilities can lead to unsafe hygiene
practices, overcrowding & unhygienic conditions can
lead to spread of diseases, vulnerability of weakened
population to disease.
Session Plan – E2
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