This human-interest article highlights how access to safe drinking water is transforming lives in the Bambo and Kibirizi Health Zones of North Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It showcases the impact of a World Vision WASH project, funded by the U.S. Department of State, in improving access to clean water, promoting hygiene and sanitation practices, and reducing waterborne diseases. Through the voices of community members, children, parents, and health officials, the story illustrates tangible improvements in health, school attendance, personal hygiene, and community well-being. It also demonstrates how behavioural change, combined with sustainable water and sanitation infrastructure, is fostering healthier and more resilient communities. While celebrating the project's achievements, the article underscores the continued need to expand water and sanitation services so that every family can benefit from safe, reliable access to clean water.

At Kabuuka Primary School, the daily struggle for water once defined children’s lives more than learning. Pupils walked two kilometres to fetch unsafe water, leaving them exhausted, frequently ill, and often absent from class. For girls, the lack of water and sanitation was especially harsh during menstruation, leading to missed school days and stigma. Through World Vision Uganda’s intervention, a motorised water system was installed, bringing clean water directly into the school compound and surrounding community. Alongside new latrines and sanitation facilities, this transformed hygiene, dignity, and participation in learning—particularly for adolescent girls.

World Vision Zambia has called on the Government to increase investment in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) as a core strategy to tackle child malnutrition and strengthen child health outcomes. World Vision Zambia Associate Director for Advocacy Gerald Kaputo stressed that access to safe water, adequate sanitation and proper hygiene stands as both a fundamental human right and a determinant of child nutrition, growth and survival.

Monica and Josephine are among 16 Hygiene promoters whose daily rounds are just one thread in a much larger effort. Their hygiene promotion work is part of a wider Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) emergency response that now reaches all six payams of Panyikang County.

World Vision Lesotho trained 81 teachers to strengthen WASH Clubs, active citizenship and disaster preparedness, empowering learners to build healthier, safer and more resilient schools.

Discover how World Vision Ghana is driving transformation despite challenges. From education and health to WASH and child protection, our latest newsletter highlights progress, resilience, and partnerships that ensure every child thrives.

Learn how World Vision engages men and boys as agents of change to advance gender equality, improve wellbeing, and strengthen development outcomes.

To mark the Day of the African Child, hundreds of children in Ngandu, Kinshasa, took to the streets to raise awareness about the importance of safe water, hygiene, and sanitation. Organised by World Vision DRC, the event empowered children to become advocates for healthier communities while encouraging families to adopt good hygiene practices and protect water sources. The celebration highlighted the vital role children can play in driving positive change and promoting a healthier future for all.

Day of the African Child 2026: Every Child Deserves Safe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

Calls to accelerate universal access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene for children in Africa, addressing gaps harming health, education and protection.