Water related diseases kill millions each year as a result of inadequate or dirty water and poor sanitation.

As well as providing clean water in emergencies, CARE works to improve water supply, sanitation and hygiene to stop the spread of diseases in vulnerable communities worldwide. We also lead education programmes promoting good health and hygiene.

Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti CARE provided people with water purification kits capable of making even the dirtiest water safe to drink. We also installed temporary water tanks distributing 10,000 litres of water which were regularly refilled.

Longer term support, such as improving sanitation and hygiene, not only reduces the health risks of water-related diseases, but also increases the earning potential of households by reducting sickness and time spent gathering water.

CARE supports communities to be able to make their own decisions about water and sanitation systems by empowering them to engage with those who control water supply and management. Women in particular, are traditionally excluded from decision making. CARE works to ensure they are included in discussions on the provision of water and sanitation.

CARE also works with farmers to provide irrigation systems for farms and water conservation projects.

Statistics on water and sanitation:

• Diarrhoea kills more children every year than AIDS, malaria and measles combined. (WHO)
• 884 million people across the world do not have access to clean water, this equates to nearly one in eight people worldwide. (WHO/UNICEF)
• 2.5 billion people do not have access to adequate sanitation, this equates to approximately two out of every five people across the world. (WHO/UNICEF)

To support CARE's work on water and sanitation please donate now.