The WASH factor: Oxfam's experiences with humanitarian coordination for water, sanitation and health

In the humanitarian coordination system of 'clusters', the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) cluster is widely acknowledged to be among the best functioning. This report, based on interviews conducted with more than 50 individuals with experience of the WASH cluster in more than 25 countries, focusses on evidence of improved humanitarian response from the WASH cluster and what helps or hinders improvement. On the whole, Oxfam staff felt that the WASH cluster had improved the effectiveness of humanitarian response, but that there was still much that could be done to improve the cluster. Their reflections may also be useful for other clusters.