Infection prevention and control and water sanitation and hygiene in health emergencies readiness for response operation capabilities user guide and checklist

The Infection Prevention and Control and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Health Emergency Readiness for Response Operations Capabilities Checklist (IPC & WASH HERO CAPE) is a rapid self-assessment tool developed to support health authorities in evaluating the key functionalities of IPC and WASH readiness capabilities and sub-capabilities required for effective response to priority public health threats. This tool aims to strengthen national and subnational operational readiness for infectious disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies by assessing existing capacities, identifying critical gaps, and guiding targeted improvements. Developed based on the WHO Framework and toolkit for infection prevention and control in outbreak preparedness, readiness and response at the national level, the IPC & WASH HERO CAPE promotes a standardized approach to enhancing IPC and WASH systems. It supports the implementation of effective response strategies and contributes to building resilience in health systems against emerging and re-emerging public health threats.