Safe water, sanitation
and hygiene
for every child
Children have the right to clean water and proper sanitation
Globally, 2.1 billion people lack access to clean water, meaning they are unable to fulfil a basic human right.
Without safe water for drinking and washing, children and families become vulnerable to diseases such as cholera and polio.
Unfortunately, challenges like conflict, climate change and poverty make water scarcity an unfair reality for millions of children. When children spend hours every day collecting water, it often comes at the expense of their education and development.
What are we doing to tackle the global water crisis?
We work hard alongside our partners, governments and communities to change this through:
- Building water systems that last
- Providing immediate access to water in emergencies
- Protecting access to safe water in a changing climate
Building water systems that last
We work to ensure children can access safely managed water services throughout childhood, in their homes, schools, health facilities and communities.
We collaborate with partners to ensure children have access to a clean water source located on premises, available when needed, and free from contamination.
Our work also involves working with governments to put children at the heart of policies, finances, skills, data and important decisions– ensuring water and sanitation services are climate-resilient and remain the right of every child.
Globally, between 2000 and 2024, the total number of people with access to safely managed sanitation services more than doubled from 1.9 billion to 4.8 billion people.
Clean water and sanitation in emergencies
When conflict or disaster strikes, children often lose access to clean water within hours. In Sudan, the ongoing crisis has forced families to flee their homes and seek safety in crowded camps where water and sanitation needs are severe.
During emergencies, we work rapidly to ensure materials for clean water and sanitation are delivered to children and families. For women and girls, these changes restore more than health. Access to clean water and safe sanitation means a sense of privacy and dignity is restored, giving them the chance to focus on their future.
Clean water in a changing climate
Around the world, children are already living with the effects of the global water crisis. In East Africa, drought is drying up wells and farmland. In the Philippines and Vietnam, cyclones and floods have destroyed homes and contaminated water sources, causing widespread devastation. Additionally, rising sea levels in the Pacific are making drinking water unsafe for many.
Children and their families are adapting. Communities are digging deeper wells, using solar-powered pumps and building toilets that can withstand flooding, minimising contamination. We support these efforts through long-term water, sanitation and hygiene programmes, ensuring every child has safe water, even as the climate changes.
Donate to provide more children with access to water and proper sanitation
With the right water and sanitation tools, systems, and support, children and families are changing their lives.
Your contribution helps strengthen this work. It means more reliable water systems, faster support in emergencies, and the resources communities need to protect their children’s futures in a changing climate.
Donate today to help ensure children and families can depend on accessible, safe water and proper sanitation.
