ABSTRACT
In countries with a low and moderate income, a lack of access to proper and appropriate sanitation and hygiene can be a chronic public health challenge that contributes to disease spread. During environmental disasters and public health crises, this situation will become even worse. To prevent disease spread during disasters and emergencies, open defecation prevention and waste containment are vital. Although long-term waste management is important, immediate sanitation solutions are often required to prevent disease spread during emergencies. These solutions may include sanitation facilities, hand-washing facilities using soap and water, and maintenance. Sanitation options are packet latrines; bucket latrines or elevated toilets; chemical toilets; trench latrines; communal or family pit latrines with short-term structure; and ecological sanitation (Eco-San) latrines. During infectious disease outbreaks, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, well-managed water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services are critical for preventing and protecting human health. Investing in core public health infrastructure, such as water and sanitation systems, is one of the most cost-effective strategies for improving pandemic preparedness, particularly in resource-constrained environments. Authorities, scholars, and researchers should take proactive steps to prepare for and mitigate the effect of epidemics and pandemics during and after an outbreak, focusing on the importance of scientific communication in the healthcare system.
