Public health engineering in emergency situation : a handbook for implementing health programmes in deprived environments, in particular in camps of displaced persons

This publication is a handbook for implementing health programmes in deprived environments, in particular in camps of displaced persons. It stresses that public health engineering has a direct influence on several major diseases and that water, sanitation and hygiene should be considered as an integral part of preventive health work. It begins with an introduction defining the criteria for site planning or reorganization of an existing camp which includes details on choice of site, principles, needs, preparing a master plan, dwellings, roads, energy and lighting. The rest of the document is divided into three main chapters covering water in camps of displaced persons, sanitation in emergency situations, and vector control. The section on water in camps covers water related health risks, supply, assessment of quality, and treatment methods. The chapter ends with technical briefs on such topics as digging and protecting a well, filtering methods, and water sampling storage. The chapter on sanitation describes health risks created by inadequate sanitation and suggests some simple techniques for the disposal of excreta, the removal and treatment of wastewater, and the collection and treatment of refuse. The technical briefs cover the construction of various types of latrines, refuse disposal units, and methods for dealing with wastewater. The final part of the document is an introduction to vector control including the biology and control methods of the principal vectors, precautions for use and storage of insecticides, and spraying equipment. The technical briefs present the most common products and application equipment. In conclusion, readers are warned, that however good the techniques theory, it is only when they are correctly used that they can have any impact on health.