Post Graduate Diploma in Water Sanitation and Hygiene

Course Overview

Global Relief Institute (GRI) presents a crucial Post Graduate Diploma in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) designed to address pressing global issues. With over 1.2 billion people lacking access to safe drinking water and 2.6 billion without adequate sanitation, the impact on health, particularly among young children in developing countries, is severe. According to WHO (2005), 1.6 million people die each year from diarrheal diseases, such as cholera, due to inadequate water and sanitation, with 90% of these deaths occurring in children under five.

This course aims to bridge the knowledge gap and combat high mortality and morbidity rates associated with poor sanitation and hygiene. It integrates academic research and practical applications to enhance the implementation of effective WASH interventions.

Course Objectives

By the end of the program, learners will be able to:

• Critically analyze sanitation, water, and hygiene interventions and their health impacts in low-income settings.
• Identify pitfalls in health impact measurement and suggest appropriate alternatives.
• Discuss the broader social, economic, institutional, and environmental contexts affecting WASH strategies.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of existing water, hygiene, and sanitation interventions.
• Understand behavior change principles and methods for measuring outcomes in the WASH sector.
• Explore WASH products and services, and factors influencing hardware choices.
• Appreciate the role of behavior change communication and demand creation strategies.
• Design, evaluate, and critique WASH projects.
• Contribute to sustainable and equitable WASH service provision in developing countries.

Course Content

The program includes 10 modules:

1. Introduction to WASH

1. • Definitions and Concepts
   • WASH Priorities in Emergency and Development Settings
   • Effectiveness of WASH Interventions

2. Water and Sustainable Development

1. • Water and Public Health
   • Water Sources and their Characteristics

3. Water Pollution and Treatment

1. • Water Pollution
   • Water Treatment Technologies for Large-Scale Water Supply
   • Operation and Maintenance of Water Treatment and Supply Systems

4. Water Distribution and Safety

1. • Distribution, Leakage, and Illegal Connections
   • Water Safety Plans
   • Duties and Responsibilities of Water Utilities

5. Household Water Management

1. • Household Water Collection, Treatment, Storage, and Handling
   • Monitoring Water Quality
   • Water Emergencies and Emergency Water Supply
   • Introduction to the Principles and Concepts of Hygiene and Environmental Health

6. Environmental Health

1. • Environmental Health Hazards
   • Personal Hygiene
   • Healthful Housing

7. Institutional Hygiene

1. • Institutional Hygiene and Sanitation
   • Characteristics of Urban Communities
   • Environmental Pollution and Health

8. Service Provision and Accountability

1. • Existing WASH Service Provision
   • Stakeholders in Urban WASH
   • Social Accountability and Social Responsibility

9. Community Engagement and Waste Management

1. • Community Engagement
   • Introduction to Sanitation and Waste Management
   • The Effects of Poor Sanitation and Waste Management

10. Sanitation and Waste Management

1. • Rapid Assessment of Urban Sanitation and Waste Management
   • Storage, Collection, Transfer, and Transport of Solid Waste
   • Disposal of Solid Wastes

Research Paper

1. • Choose a research topic and share it with the moderator
   • Write a proposal, incorporating feedback
   • Develop chapters three, four, and five of the research paper
   • Follow provided guidelines for format

     Final Examination

1. • Comprehensive online assessment

Duration and Structure

• Course Duration: 12 months (2 semesters)
• Assignments: 10 assignments (70% of the final grade) plus a project paper (30% of the final grade)
• Format: Distance learning
• Languages: English and French

Minimum Entry Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
• An equivalent qualification from a recognized institution

Course Fee

• €1500

Contact Details

For more information and to apply, please contact:

Global Relief Institute (GRI)
Email: info@globalreliefinstitute.org
Website: www.globalreliefinstitute.org

This diploma provides a comprehensive foundation for addressing global water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges, equipping learners with the skills needed to drive significant improvements in community health and well-being worldwide.