ReliefWeb

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

A. WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE

KEY FINDINGS

1 . Many communities cannot access safe water sources. An estimated 68% of the rainwater harvesting catchment structures are broken, 70% of the wells have been contaminated, and piped water systems have been damaged. Water quality is poor everywhere except Port Vila, resulting in a health risk.

2 . 68% of the sanitation superstructures have been destroyed, resulting in an increase in open defecation, which was reported to be up to 45% in some places. Open defecation presents urgent health, protection and dignity risks to children, women, and vulnerable groups.

3 . Only 30% of households report hand washing, posing a risk of communicable disease. Some bathing facilities are unsafe.

KEY PRIORITIES

1 . Provide immediate access to water supply through emergency water distribution and restoration of water systems.

2 . Prevent the spread of diseases by providing hygiene messages, household water treatment and safe storage supplies and by ensuring household access to soap.

3 . Ensure privacy and safe disposal of human faeces by restoring sanitation structures, complemented with sanitation promotion.

4 . Ensure dignity and minimize protection risks by providing safe bathing facilities and access to sanitary protection materials for girls and women.

5 . Restore protective environments at schools and health care facilities