Improving the fit between development and humanitarian WASH in protracted crises

The worlds of humanitarian and development WASH (water supply, sanitation and hygiene) too often operate separately, increasing the vulnerability of poor and marginalised people to disease and missed socio-economic opportunities. This is especially the case in protracted crises marked by weak governance and conflict. Research undertaken at global level and in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo identifies the challenges but also positive stories of where and how WASH service providers are overcoming the separation. While a hierarchy of perceived and real differences act as a wedge to drive the humanitarian and development communities apart, action is possible and can be led from the ground up by WASH agencies working at the operational level.