UNICEF, MHMS coordinate WASH response
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The UNICEF Pacific Solomon Islands Humanitarian Situation Report #2 has highlighted extensive damage to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) systems across communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
This has raised concerns over increased health risks, particularly for children and women.
In Choiseul Province, assessments show that 33 of 76 water points have been destroyed, while a further 30 have been contaminated by seawater intrusion.
Based on the report, across 84 assessed communities, access to basic sanitation has been severely affected in 54 communities, with widespread open defecation reported.
In Western Province, island-level assessments covering Simbo, Ranongga, Rendova and Vella Lavella indicate that in some locations more than two-thirds of household toilets are no longer functional.
On Simbo Island alone, 39 of 54 water points have been damaged or are not working according to UNICEF report #2.
Schools and health facilities have also been heavily impacted, with WASH systems damaged in at least 16 closed schools and 11 health facilities.
UNICEF said that these conditions significantly increase the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks, especially among children.
It also notes that poor access to WASH services for girls can contribute to school dropouts and increase risks such as child marriage.
In response, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), with UNICEF support, has developed a WASH sector response plan that aims to strengthen coordination and address urgent gaps in water and sanitation services.
UNICEF is currently scaling up emergency assistance, including the distribution of supplies expected to support 700 to 1,000 households, benefiting an estimated 3,500 to 5,000 people.
The assistance includes 200 household water filters and 200 buckets with lids and taps, supporting safe drinking water for more than 1,000 people.
An additional 500 collapsible water containers are being provided to assist about 2,500 people in communities facing disrupted water access.
So far, 516 WASH and dignity kits have been distributed in Western Province and 200 in Choiseul Province, supporting hygiene and menstrual health needs for approximately 3,600 people.
To address urgent sanitation needs, 1,000 SATO pans are also being deployed to restore emergency household sanitation for up to 5,000 people in areas with severe damage and high open defecation risks.
UNICEF says assessments are ongoing, with early findings pointing to urgent needs for rehabilitation of water systems in schools and health facilities, which are critical to restore services and ensure safe access for children.
Photo credit: UNICEF
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