WASH Cluster

WASH & Infrastructure

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions provide safe drinking water, dignified sanitation, and hygiene promotion for communities affected by crisis—from emergency water supply to sustainable systems, institutional facilities, and community-led maintenance across Afghanistan.

WASH cluster logo
  • Emergency response Rapid safe water through trucking, storage tanks, and emergency water points for crisis-affected communities.
  • Sustainable systems Boreholes, hand pumps, solar-powered schemes, and gravity-fed networks for durable community water access.
  • Sanitation & hygiene Gender-sensitive latrines, hygiene promotion, and WASH in schools and health facilities.

Emergency water supply support

Emergency Water Supply Support refers to the rapid provision of safe drinking water to populations affected by conflict, displacement, drought, floods, or other emergencies. In Afghanistan’s humanitarian response framework, this modality is prioritized in areas where water systems are damaged, non-functional, or insufficient due to sudden population influxes.

This support may be delivered through:

  • Water trucking to affected communities
  • Installation of temporary water storage tanks
  • Distribution of safe water containers
  • Rehabilitation of emergency water points

The primary purpose is to ensure immediate access to safe and adequate water for drinking, cooking, and basic domestic use. Emergency water supply interventions reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and protect vulnerable communities during crisis situations. These activities often serve as an interim solution until more sustainable water systems are restored or established.

Sustainable water systems and infrastructure

Sustainable Water Systems focus on long-term access to safe and reliable water sources in both rural and urban communities. This includes the construction, rehabilitation, or upgrading of permanent water supply infrastructure aligned with national standards.

Interventions may include:

  • Drilling and equipping boreholes
  • Installation of hand pumps or solar-powered water systems
  • Construction of gravity-fed water supply networks
  • Rehabilitation of damaged water schemes

The purpose of these activities is to provide durable, community-managed water access that improves public health and resilience. Sustainable water systems reduce dependency on emergency water trucking and strengthen local capacity for maintenance and long-term functionality.

Sanitation facilities and services

Sanitation interventions aim to improve access to safe, dignified, and gender-sensitive sanitation facilities in communities, schools, health centers, and displacement sites. In humanitarian contexts, sanitation is essential to preventing disease outbreaks and maintaining community health.

Sanitation support typically includes:

  • Construction or rehabilitation of latrines
  • Installation of gender-segregated and disability-accessible facilities
  • Solid waste management systems
  • Emergency communal sanitation in displacement settings

The purpose of sanitation programmes is to reduce environmental contamination and prevent the spread of diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and other waterborne illnesses. Proper sanitation facilities also promote dignity, safety, and protection, particularly for women and girls.

Hygiene promotion and behaviour change

Hygiene Promotion focuses on raising awareness and encouraging safe hygiene practices within communities. In Afghanistan, hygiene interventions are critical in both emergency and development settings to prevent disease transmission.

These programmes include:

  • Community hygiene awareness sessions
  • Distribution of hygiene kits (soap, sanitary materials, water containers)
  • Handwashing promotion campaigns
  • Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) awareness

The purpose of hygiene promotion is to improve knowledge and encourage behavior change related to handwashing, safe water handling, sanitation use, and personal hygiene. By combining infrastructure support with awareness activities, hygiene programmes help ensure that WASH facilities are effectively used and maintained.

WASH in institutions (schools and health facilities)

WASH in Institutions ensures that schools and health centers have safe water, adequate sanitation, and hygiene facilities. This modality supports safe learning environments and improves health outcomes.

Interventions may include:

  • Construction of school latrines and handwashing stations
  • Provision of safe drinking water systems in schools
  • Hygiene education sessions for students
  • WASH facility upgrades in health centers

The purpose is to create safe, child-friendly, and gender-sensitive environments that promote attendance and reduce health risks. In schools, WASH facilities are particularly important for improving girls’ attendance and retention.

Community engagement and capacity building

Community Engagement and Capacity Building focus on strengthening local ownership and sustainability of WASH services. This approach ensures that communities are involved in planning, implementation, and maintenance of WASH infrastructure.

Activities may include:

  • Formation and training of Water User Committees
  • Technical training for pump caretakers
  • Community-led total sanitation (CLTS) approaches
  • Awareness on water conservation and climate resilience

The key purpose is to build local capacity, promote accountability, and ensure long-term functionality of WASH facilities. Community engagement enhances sustainability and reduces the risk of infrastructure breakdown due to lack of maintenance.

WASH & Infrastructure Projects

Nangarhar Province

Enhancing Community Resilience through Integrated WASH Interventions in Nangarhar Province

Kunar and Nangarhar Provinces

Rapid Response Facility – REVIVE PIP Earthquake Response Initiative: Eastern Afghanistan

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