Safe water, dignified sanitation, and good hygiene practices are fundamental to human health and well-being. Yet across Africa, millions of people still lack access to these basic necessities. AFREHO’s WASH program addresses this gap through integrated, community-centered interventions that go beyond infrastructure to embrace behavior change, institutional strengthening, and sustainable service delivery models.

Our approach recognizes that WASH is not merely about building toilets or drilling wells—it is about creating lasting systems that function for generations. We work with communities to develop context-appropriate solutions, from rainwater harvesting in arid regions to ecological sanitation in high-water-table areas. Schools and health facilities receive particular attention, recognizing their role as centers of community life and as models of hygienic practice.

Crucially, we link WASH interventions to broader health outcomes. Improved sanitation reduces the burden of neglected tropical diseases. Safe water decreases childhood diarrhea and malnutrition. Handwashing with soap prevents respiratory infections and reduces disease transmission. By integrating WASH with nutrition, health, and education programming, we amplify impact and ensure that investments in water and sanitation translate into measurable improvements in community well-being.

Key Objectives

• Increase access to safe drinking water in underserved communities through sustainable technologies

• Promote dignified, appropriate sanitation facilities that serve all community members

• Drive sustained hygiene behavior change, particularly handwashing with soap

• Strengthen local capacity for operation and maintenance of WASH infrastructure

• Integrate WASH into health, nutrition, and education programs for holistic impact

• Eliminate open defecation in target communities through community-led total sanitation approaches

Target Audience

• Rural and urban poor communities with limited WASH access

• Schools and health facilities lacking adequate water and sanitation

• Women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by poor WASH services

• Local governments responsible for water and sanitation service delivery

• Community health workers and hygiene promoters

Expected Outcomes

• 100,000+ people gaining access to safe water within 5 years

• 50,000+ people gaining access to improved sanitation facilities

• Measurable reduction in waterborne diseases in target communities

• 200+ schools and health facilities with adequate WASH services

• Trained community WASH committees ensuring long-term sustainability

• Documented behavior change in key hygiene practices

Related SDGs