WASH Severity Classification (WSC)

Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) assessment and analysis was previously done on an adhoc basis, country by country, with mixed capacity, as there was no standardized system to summarize complex, multi-dimensional data into accessible findings that can be plugged into decision making. The Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Severity Classification (WSC) is being developed by REACH with technical support from CHC). It is a set of tools and protocols that will enable analysts from humanitarian and development organizations to measure the severity of WASH conditions across various crises and time- through an evidence-based approach that uses recognized standards. The overall aim is:

1. Better strategic targeting and prioritization within and across crisis to allocate resources in the most effective way
2. Stronger needs monitoring and early warning systems, as the severity will be tracked on a regular basis and will be also projected to inform preparedness

As a system, the WSC aims to bring all WASH actors together and pool all relevant data sources in the process, to build a shared understanding among all stakeholders on how to analyze the available data and trigger better response interventions.
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