Clean water means life. For children living in poverty, it can also mean freedom – freedom from waterborne illnesses and long walks to bring home water for the family. Give the life-changing gift of water today.
Without access to clean water, I will have to walk about 12-16km a day in the scorching heat to collect water for my family, especially if I am a girl. This takes my time from school and play. The water I collect is usually contaminated and makes me ill from diarrhoea and skin diseases.
Clean water close to home frees children and families from the fear of waterborne diseases and the need to travel far just for a single sip.
But worldwide, 2.1 billion people lack access to clean drinking water, and over 1.5 billion do not have access to latrines or other basic sanitation facilities.
Key Challenges
Lack of infrastructure
Without proper water pipelines and collection points, children, usually girls, walk hours to and fro each day carrying heavy loads of water from the nearest water source instead of going to school.
Unprotected water sources
Rivers, streams and other water sources are exposed and are susceptible to contamination from animals and human activities like open defecation. This results in waterborne diseases like diarrhoea.
Poor sanitation and hygiene
There is poor awareness of good sanitation habits. As a result, practices like open defecation are commonplace and people are not aware of preventive measures (like handwashing) to stop disease transmission.
How World Vision Helps
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Improving water access for everyone
We increase access to clean water by building water points in partnership with communities, and ensure they are sustainably managed through community-based water committees.
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Addressing sanitation needs
We build latrines and handwashing stations in schools and homes. We also teach families why safe sanitation matters and how to manage it themselves.
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Improving community hygiene
We identify barriers to positive hygiene and work with communities to raise awareness on habits like handwashing, latrine management and menstrual hygiene.
Global Impact
Through World Vision’s work around the world…
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2.8 Million
people gained access to clean water
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2.2 Million
people gained access to improved household sanitation
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2.8 Million
people gained access to handwashing facilities
Impact figures based on 2025 data.
How you can support the Clean Water Fund
The Clean Water Fund brings clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to communities. Give the life-changing gift of water today!
At World Vision, we seek to ensure that all resources entrusted to us are used as efficiently and effectively as possible. In rare cases where donations exceed what is needed, or where local conditions prevent programme implementation, World Vision will redirect funds to equally important programmes that help children and families in need.
Stories From the Field
Safe Water For My Family
Clean water trickling down from the mountains is a blessing to Nam and her grandson Hao. Read their story of transformation now.
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Water is Freedom!
As World Water Day approaches on 22 March, picture your everyday routine: you wake up, wash your face and brush your teeth. Your coffee is brewing as you hop in the shower.
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