The prevailing categories used to distinguish between the different emergency phases are: (1) acute response, (2) stabilisation, and (3) recovery. The identification of these broad phases is helpful when planning assistance, however the division should be viewed as theoretical and simplified, modelled after singular disaster events. Real life is seldom so clearly defined.
Acute Response Phase: This refers to humanitarian relief interventions that are implemented immediately following natural disasters, conflicts, protracted crises or epidemics. It usually covers the first hours and days up to the first few weeks, where effective short-term measures are applied to alleviate the emergency situation quickly until more permanent solutions can be found. People affected by disasters are generally much more vulnerable to diseases, which to a large extent are related to inadequate sanitation and an inability to maintain good hygiene. The purpose of interventions in the acute response phase is to ensure the survival of the affected population, guided by the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. Essential sanitation-related services needed at this stage include establishing instant and safe excreta management options (particularly excreta containment measures) as they are critical determinants for survival in the initial stages of a disaster. Ensuring a safe environment and avoiding contamination of water sources is also critical. If applicable, this may also include the quick rehabilitation of existing WASH infrastructure, the establishment of appropriate drainage solutions and the provision of tools and equipment to ensure basic operation and maintenance services.
Stabilisation Phase: The stabilisation or transition phase usually starts after the first weeks of an emergency and can last several months to half a year or longer. The main sanitation focus, apart from increasing coverage of sanitation services, is the incremental upgrade and improvement of the temporary emergency structures that would have been installed during the acute phase, or the replacement of temporary sanitation technologies with more robust longer-term solutions. This phase includes the establishment of community-supported structures with a stronger focus on the entire sanitation service chain. This phase often sees a shift from communal sanitation to household-level solutions. Sanitation hardware solutions should be based on appropriate technologies and designs, ideally using locally available materials. A detailed assessment is required in order to be able to respond adequately within a given local context and to increase the long-term acceptance of the envisioned sanitation interventions. Particular emphasis should be given to socio-cultural aspects such as potentially sensitive issues regarding sanitation (including use, operation and maintenance), menstrual hygiene management, vulnerability to sexual and other forms of violence as well as hygiene-related issues that imply certain levels of behaviour change. The equitable participation of women and men, children, marginalised and vulnerable groups in planning, decision-making and local management is key to ensuring that the entire affected population has safe and adequate access to sanitation services, and that services are appropriate.
Recovery Phase: The recovery phase, sometimes referred to as the rehabilitation phase, usually starts after or even during relief interventions and aims to recreate or improve on the pre-emergency situation of the affected population by gradually incorporating development principles. It can be seen as a continuation of already executed relief efforts and can prepare the ground for subsequent development interventions and gradual handing over to medium/long-term partners. Depending on local needs the general timeframe for recovery and rehabilitation interventions is usually between six months to three years and in difficult situations up to five years. Recovery and rehabilitation interventions are characterised by an active involvement and participation of local partners and authorities in the planning and decision making in order to build on local capacities and to contribute to the sustainability of the interventions. Sanitation recovery interventions can take diverse forms and depend on local conditions as well as actual needs of the affected population. Beyond the technical implementation of a sanitation system, these interventions include significant efforts to strengthen service structures and promote markets for sanitation services. In long-lasting camp situations that may develop into permanent settlements interventions might include upgrading the existing emergency sanitation infrastructure. Recovery interventions also include longer-term capacity development and training including working with relevant local authorities and development partners. Stronger collaboration with local governments, utilities, civil society, private sector and the handing over of responsibilities are also paramount. This necessitates the increased participation of involved stakeholders in sanitation planning and decision-making early on. Where possible, sanitation recovery interventions should take into consideration that the investments made may provide a foundation for further expansion of water and sanitation facilities and services. In addition, recovery interventions may include relevant resilience and disaster risk reduction measures. Recovery interventions should include a clear transition or exit strategy including hand-over to local governments, communities or service providers to ensure that the service levels created can be maintained.
