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Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) emergency guidelines literature review

Please note: As of 1 July 2025, the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) is the new name for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). Research and reports published prior to this date may reference the organisation’s former name.

Summary

This report provides a literature review of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) guidance available in New Zealand and internationally in the event of an emergency. Currently, New Zealand does not have a single national guidance document for WASH in emergency situations. The purpose of the review is to identify those guidelines that could aid in the development of New Zealand WASH guidelines for emergencies in the future. The review focuses on safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene in emergency situations, which are crucial to human health and well-being.

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