Which guideline regarding shelter siting relates to disease risk and drainage?

• A. Sitings should maximize proximity to water sources
• B. Siting should ensure good drainage away from living areas
• C. Sitings should be at low elevation regardless
• D. Siting is not related to disease risk

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that how you site a shelter affects disease risk through water management. Ensuring drainage away from living areas is the best guideline because it prevents standing water around the shelter. Stagnant water provides breeding sites for mosquitoes and fosters damp, moldy conditions, both of which raise health risks in a humanitarian setting. So directing runoff away from where people sleep and gather helps reduce vector-borne and water-related illnesses.

Options that place shelters close to water sources can increase exposure to contaminated water and attract pests, while simply choosing a low elevation isn’t inherently protective and can raise flood risk. And saying disease risk isn’t related to siting ignores the clear health implications of drainage and water management around shelters.