The Context
Access to safe water and sanitation in Afghanistan is among the lowest in the world. The national WASH policy states that only 27% of the rural population has access to safe water, and merely 5% have access to proper sanitation.
This lack of access, including widespread fecal contamination of water supplies, is a major contributory factor to diarrheal illnesses, which are a primary cause of the very high mortality rate among infants and children under five. The World Health Organization estimated that sanitation budgets are highly underfunded, covering only 9% of needs.
Key Challenge
Recent droughts have dried up Kariz systems and wells, forcing families to buy water or use unsafe sources. Women and children often walk long distances to fetch water, exposing them to protection risks.
Strategic Objectives
1. Sustainable Water Access
We work with communities to build capacities to protect and maintain water sources through trained mechanics and WASH committees.
2. Sanitation & Hygiene
Implementation of Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach, hygiene education campaigns, and construction of latrines.