This new joint publication (PAHO, UNICEF, the ISDR and the IFRC) was introduced at the 4th World Water Forum in Mexico in March to draw attention to the importance of ensuring that water and sanitation systems remain fully operational in the aftermath of natural disasters. This is critical if countries are to avoid setbacks to the hard-won achievements of the recent past in terms of access to these services. Additionally, it will allow countries to meet, by the year 2015, the target of reducing by half the proportion of people without sustainable access to drinking water and basic sanitation. Risk management is an important tool for the fulfillment of global challenges to provide water and sanitation services to all at all times. A limited number of print copies of the publication is available from the CRID. Download the full-text publication from PAHO’s web site at www.paho.org/disasters (click on Publications Catalog)