WHO WATCH: IPC and WASH in Health Emergency Readiness for Response Operations Capabilities Checklist

Background:

‘Infectious disease outbreaks continue to challenge fragile health systems, especially in low-resource, humanitarian, and emergency settings. Despite advancements in surveillance and clinical management, gaps in infection prevention and control (IPC) and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) readiness persist—often exacerbating the impact of epidemics on communities and health systems.

‘To strengthen IPC and WASH readiness and response capabilities globally, the World Health Organization (WHO), through the Safe and Scalable Care Unit and IPC/WASH teams, has developed a practical new tool : the Infection prevention and control (IPC) and Water, sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Health Emergency readiness for response operations capabilities “IPC & WASH HERO CAPE) Checklist available on WHO partners platform as both online “digital” and offline “excel sheet” forms.  This checklist was structured based on WHO Framework and toolkit for infection prevention and control in outbreak preparedness, readiness and response at the national level. This tool helps countries and partners assess and enhance their IPC and WASH readiness capabilities across health systems before and during outbreaks, with emphasis on real-time implementation, coordination, and frontline capacity strengthening.’

Objective:

‘The objective of this webinar is to launch, disseminate and promote the IPC and WASH HERO Checklist as a key tool for operationalizing IPC/WASH readiness and response. The session will provide:

A high-level overview of the WHO IPC Framework for Outbreak Preparedness, Readiness, and Response, An introduction to the HERO Checklist—its components, target users, use cases, and implementation strategies, Country experiences from Rwanda and Sierra Leone, highlighting real-world application, achievements, and lessons learned.

‘Participants will be able to ask questions, share feedback, and understand how to adapt the tool for their own settings.’

Tentative Agenda and Speakers: Opening Remarks: Dr Janet Diaz, Unit Head, Safe and Scalable Care, WHO Health Emergencies Programme, WHO headquarters Overview of the Framework and Toolkit for IPC in outbreak preparedness, readiness and response at national level: Dr April Baller, Team Lead, IPC & WASH, WHO Health Emergencies Programme, WHO headquarters Introducing the IPC & WASH HERO Checklist - Purpose, components, target users, and use: Dr Mahmoud Hamouda, Health Systems Officer, IPC/WASH Team, WHO Health Emergencies Programme, WHO headquarters Country Experience: Rwanda - Applying HERO for national IPC readiness and response to Marburg outbreak: Alphonsine Mukamunana, Environmental Health Specialist, Ministry of Health Rwanda Country Experience: Sierra Leone - Applying HERO for national IPC readiness and response to Mpox outbreak: Bobson Fofanah, IPC officer WHO country office Sierra Leone Interactive Q&A Session: Moderator -  Dr Omar El Hattab, Senior Advisor, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, UNICEF HQ and Anthony Twyman, United Kingdom Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST) Technical closing remarks: Dr Janet Diaz, Unit Head, Safe & Scalable Care Unit, WHO Health Emergencies Programme, WHO headquarters CHD.TV offers a wide range of content pertaining to children's health. We regularly stream hearings, meetings and lectures from the World Economic Forum, National Institutes of Health, World Health Organization and other entities to keep you up to date the tactics and ideologies of those who influence public health, though Children's Health Defense may not have any affiliation with these organizations or individuals.