WASH

Providing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene services in crises to prevent disease outbreaks, safeguard community health, and preserve dignity

Our Approach

At Project HOPE, we recognize that access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is not only a basic human right but also a critical component of public health, particularly for communities experiencing conflict, humanitarian emergencies, disease outbreaks, and climate disasters when the risk of infection and disease transmission is heightened.

Without adequate access to clean water for hand hygiene, safe sanitation facilities, and proper waste management, healthcare settings or crowded displacement camps — for instance — can become breeding grounds for the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrheal diseases, and respiratory infections.

Women and children have unique hygiene needs related to gender-based violence, menstruation, prevention of urinary and reproductive tract infections, pre- and postnatal care, and breastfeeding. Project HOPE emphasizes safe and available water and toilets for ongoing hygiene needs to maintain protection and dignity.

Around the world, our teams:

Provide emergency drinking water to communities living through conflict, war, and disaster
Equip health facilities and communities with WASH supplies to prevent infections and diseases from spreading
Restore access to safe drinking water by installing wells and solar water chlorination devices
Train health workers to prevent and manage water-borne diseases like cholera
Rebuild water and sanitation infrastructure in health facilities and communities
Promote hygiene practices to prevent the spread of diseases and enhance public health outcomes

26%

of the world’s population does not have access to safe drinking water

Whether due to conflict, extreme weather, the climate crisis, or poor infrastructure, far too many people do not have easy, reliable access.

1.4 million

lives can be saved each year with access to WASH

Half of the world’s population does not have adequate access to essential, lifesaving WASH supplies, increasing the risks of infectious disease and dehydration.

46%

of people globally do not have access to safely managed sanitation

Without adequate sewage systems, private toilets, and wastewater treatment facilities, communities are at an increased risk for infectious diseases.

The Context

The fight for WASH access is a fight for human dignity and survival. It’s about preventing the spread of deadly diseases and safeguarding the health of millions.

The challenges posed by conflict and the climate crisis only amplify the urgency of this work. In conflict zones, damaged infrastructure and power outages turn clean water into a precious commodity, while extreme weather and climate disasters often leave behind a legacy of contamination and disease.

In a world where water scarcity, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene can devastate lives, the path to universal WASH access demands global solidarity, innovative solutions, and relentless commitment.

At Project HOPE, we know that when people have access to clean water and sanitation, they unlock doors to education, economic growth, and a brighter, more sustainable future. We continue to work hand-in-hand with local health workers to ensure that communities, regardless of where they are located, can drink clean water, live in a clean environment, and hope for a healthier tomorrow.