Women and children, particularly girls, carry the burden of poor WASH access—often walking 4–5 km twice daily to collect unsafe water. Girls are three times more likely than boys to bear this burden. Poor WASH is also a major contributor to child mortality, with unsafe drinking water accounting for an estimated 80% of 500,000 annual diarrhoeal deaths among children under five. Additionally, access to clean water and toilets in schools improves attendance and academic performance, especially for adolescent girls.

Safe WASH boosts workforce productivity by reducing illness-related absences. Improved facilities also support women’s increased participation in the economy by reducing time spent on water collection. Investments in WASH strengthen both community health and economic growth, making it a driver of sustainable development.

With deep community roots and trusted partnerships, Amref co-creates and implements locally tailored WASH solutions. By training and equipping communities, Amref ensures long-term sustainability. The organization remains committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6—universal access to safe water and sanitation by 2030—ensuring no one is left behind.