Why Wash? - The WASH Foundation

WHY WASH?

Why WASH?

The UN Sustainable Development Goals call for universal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) globally by 2030. Clean the World Foundation is taking an active role in working with the global community to make this goal achievable.

Today, more than 844 million people lack access to basic drinking water. More than 2.3 billion people lack access to basic sanitation. Millions of girls drop out of school each year because of feminine hygiene issues. And the leading cause of death for children under age five is still hygiene-related illnesses like diarrhea and pneumonia. More children die from WASH related causes than from malaria, AIDS, and tuberculosis combined.

The case for universal access to WASH is compelling. Studies have proven that access to safe drinking water can reduce childhood morbidity by 40% or more, while proper handwashing can reduce child deaths by 50% or more. School-based WASH programs can increase attendance by over 60%. And for every $1 invested in WASH programs, up to $46 is generated through increased productivity and workforce participation.

Clean the World Foundation is taking an active role in working to achieve universal access to WASH around the world. Through our development programs like WASH Education, Microfinancing, and Women’s Initiatives, we’re working to provide sustainable and ongoing access to comprehensive WASH infrastructure and supplies, as well as the long-term education necessary to change behaviors and make a sustainable impact. And through our humanitarian aid efforts in disaster relief and refugee support, we work to ensure all displaced populations, and those in crisis, have the WASH access they need to improve and sustain health.

THE FACTS

Water

Improved water sources reduce diarrhea morbidity by 21%. Improvement of drinking-water quality, such as point-of-use disinfection, would lead to a 45% reduction of diarrhea episodes.

Sanitation

Sanitation and  hygiene  are critical to health, survival, and development. Many countries are challenged in providing adequate sanitation for their entire populations, leaving people at risk for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)-related diseases.

Hygiene

Hygiene refers to behaviors that can improve cleanliness and lead to good health, such as frequent hand washing, face washing, and bathing with soap and water. In much of the world, practicing personal hygiene etiquette is difficult due to lack of clean water and soap. Many diseases can be spread if the hands, face, or body are not washed correctly at the appropriate times.

RESOURCES

CENTRE FOR AFFORDABLE WATER
& SANITATION TECHNOLOGY (CAWST)

WASH education and training resources, with over 3000 resources to use with your projects, training and community education.

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL
AND PREVENTION (CDC)

UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S
EMERGENCY FUND (UNICEF)

Works in 190 countries to save children’s lives, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfill their potential.