When schools lack clean water and safe toilets, girls pay the highest price. In Zambia, only 4% of schools have access to basic sanitation services, and over 2.5 million learners lack adequate hygiene facilities (UNICEF Zambia, National WASH in Schools Assessment, 2026).

Bridging the massive WASH funding gap across the continent requires moving beyond traditional grant models toward scalable, blended financial mechanisms.

A practical guide for designing, strengthening, and evaluating urban WASH programmes through systems-focused, partnership-driven approaches.

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.

Discover how inclusive urban WASH solutions improved health, dignity and resilience for displaced and host families in Burkina Faso.

World Vision International Myanmar (WVIM) is one of the longest-serving humanitarian and development organization in Myanmar, with more than three decades of operational presence across both stable and conflict-affected contexts. We partner closely with government ministries, civil society, faith based groups, local leaders, and communities to deliver integrated programs in education, child protection, health and nutrition, WASH, livelihoods, and disaster response. Our locally rooted teams ensure culturally relevant, community owned solutions that support children to thrive. In livelihood, our work focuses on strengthening household resilience, restoring livelihoods, and protecting the well-being of vulnerable children through integrated, community-driven approaches that address both immediate needs and long-term recovery. Each year, our programmes reach millions, reflecting our commitment to ensure children are educated, protected, and cared for in safe and resilient communities.

In FY25, World Vision Afghanistan reached 1,497,975 people, including 808,015 children, through 36 projects and grants. 

World Vision Cambodia's WATER Project is expanding access to safe drinking water for more than 3,000 people in Siem Reap through sustainable community-led infrastructure.

World Vision's urban sanitation project in El Salvador brought safe, in-home sanitation to 90 families through partnership, innovation and community action.

Discover how Gwaimaoa Community transformed from flood and water insecurity to resilience through safe water access, disaster preparedness, and community action.