Improving Lives Through Clean Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
Access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of community well-being that we often take for granted. For many vulnerable communities, however, inadequate access to these essential services poses significant challenges, impacting health, education, and economic opportunities.
Why don’t communities in Kenya’s capital have city water, you might ask? It’s because millions of individuals live in what are known as informal settlements, or slums. Vast areas of land that have been built up with shacks, where millions of people live without the benefits that you would expect from an urban dwelling. Since these locations are not municipally controlled, they lack access to simple water and hygiene, electricity and other basic needs.
Breaking the Cycle of Waterborne Diseases
Contaminated water and poor sanitation are among the leading causes of preventable illnesses worldwide. In communities without access to clean water or adequate sanitation facilities, diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid disproportionately affect children and families. WASH programs combat these challenges by:
- Providing Clean Water: Safe water access prevents the spread of disease and reduces the burden on families who often travel long distances to collect water.
- Improving Hygiene Practices: Community education on handwashing and other hygiene behaviors significantly lowers the risk of infection.
- Establishing Sanitation Facilities: Building safe and accessible toilets reduces open defecation, promoting healthier and safer environments.
WASH initiatives empower communities. Clean water and sanitation infrastructure free up time for women and children, who often bear the responsibility of fetching water. This enables children, particularly girls, to attend school consistently and focus on their education. With proper hygiene education, schools become safer spaces where students can thrive without the risk illness. Access to WASH facilities also fosters gender equity. Privacy and dignity are restored through safe sanitation solutions.
Sustainable WASH programs emphasize local engagement and capacity-building to ensure lasting change. These programs:
- Install rainwater harvesting systems to create reliable sources of clean water.
- Train communities in sustainable water management to maintain and protect resources.
- Collaborate with schools to establish hygiene clubs that teach children about health practices they can share with their families.
By partnering with local communities, WASH initiatives create solutions that reflect cultural and environmental realities, empowering people to take ownership of their well-being.
What can you do?
Each well drilled, toilet constructed, and hygiene training conducted represents a step toward a future where everyone has the chance to live in dignity and health. Investing in WASH is investing in hope, opportunity, and resilience. You can join us by becoming a monthly donor and together, we can address the root causes of water and sanitation challenges, creating a healthier and more equitable world for those living in Kibera and Kangemi, Kenya.
