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WASH Cluster calls for zero-open defecation in Yolanda areas
Understanding the need to build on the momentum of the Haiyan context and Strategic Response Plan, the WASH Cluster has recently organized the YES to PhATS (Yolanda Emergency Sanita-tion to Philippine Approach to Total Sanitation) initiative in Yolanda affected areas.
YES to PhATS builds on strategic pillars which includes: an enabling environ-ment, good governance, resilience and DRR; participatory demand creation for sanitation and hygiene in communities and learning institutions, sustaining demand through supply interventions; sol-id and liquid waste management; and knowledge management and accounta-bility.
The YES to PhaTS initiative focuses on the strong need to shift from the delivery of life-saving sanitation interventions to sustainable sanitation. It seeks to attain 100% Zero-Open Defecation or excreta-free open spaces, drains and water bodies through minimum health and hygiene promotion, participatory plan-ning including disaster risk reduction, use of DoH standards in household and public toilet construction. YES also seeks to provide some incentive and subsidy to achieve the targets.
A series of consultations have been done with provincial and municipal WASH stakeholders including provincial and municipal health officers, rural sani-tary inspectors and engineers, and NGO partners in Tacloban, Ormoc and Eastern Samar last February—March to gain their feedback and support on this initiative.