WASH

For many families across Sub-Saharan Africa, access to safe water and basic sanitation is not guaranteed. 
 

Only 1 in 4 people have access to basic handwashing facilities with soap and water, and just 1 in 4 use safely managed sanitation services. Access to safe drinking water remains limited, reaching only about one-third of the population. Without these essentials, preventable diseases like cholera can spread quickly, putting lives at risk and placing additional strain on already fragile health systems. 
 

The burden falls disproportionately on women and girls. Many spend hours each day collecting water – often from unsafe sources – limiting time for school, work, and other opportunities, and reinforcing cycles of inequality. 

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CPAR works with communities to change this.  

Together, we improve access to clean water and sanitation through practical, locally appropriate solutions such as handwashing stations, latrines, rainwater harvesting systems, and boreholes. Alongside infrastructure, we support community outreach and awareness raising to promote safe hygiene practices and long-term behaviour change. 

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Much of this work takes place in rural schools, where the need is high and the impact extends beyond the classroom. Safe WASH facilities help create healthier learning environments and support school attendance – especially for girls, who are more likely to miss class without adequate sanitation and menstrual hygiene support.