Where we work

Our Work

Save the Children's Water, Sanitation and Hygiene work focuses on scaling up evidence-based, high-impact interventions to ensure long-term access to safe water, improved sanitation, and hygiene practices. We are uniquely positioned to deliver quality WASH programming, leveraging our strong advocacy platform, extensive service delivery expertise, and partnerships with national and county governments, communities, local civil society groups, and international organizations. 

Our work includes improving institutional and staff capacity for WASH infrastructure, increasing demand for quality WASH services, and advocating for local ownership and financing of WASH initiatives. We collaborate with key stakeholders, including water management committees and county health departments, to build synergies for effective WASH service delivery. 

A couple of women drinking clean water from the water pump at the farm

Save the Children supported this community by helping to rehabilitate a water pump at this farm. Now, women use this water pump for drinking and farming purposes. It has allowed them to plant, grow, and harvest produce, which they can sell to support themselves and their families. Sam Vox / Save the Children

OUR APPROACH

Save the Children employs a multi-faceted approach to WASH programming, guided by the following principles:

  • Sustainable WASH Solutions: Ensuring long-term access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene through direct implementation and strengthened local systems, including the repair, solarization, and extension of water pipelines and boreholes.
  • Climate-Resilient WASH Services: Designing and implementing WASH solutions that withstand climate shocks, such as droughts and floods, to ensure continuity in service delivery.
  • Expanding Access in Emergencies and Development: Bridging humanitarian response and sustainable development to reach vulnerable populations, including refugees, host communities, and those affected by environmental crises.
  • Enhanced Governance and Advocacy: Strengthening policies, institutional frameworks, and community engagement to improve WASH service delivery and accountability, including advocacy for county water and sanitation policies.
  • WASH in Schools and Health Facilities: Promoting safe and inclusive WASH infrastructure to enhance public health and learning outcomes.
  • Support for Displaced and Climate-Affected Populations: Addressing WASH needs in refugee camps, drought-affected areas, and conflict zones.
  • Cross-Sector Integration: Embedding WASH within health, nutrition, and livelihoods programs to maximize community well-being.
  • Innovative Financing: Leveraging carbon credit mechanisms to sustain and scale climate-friendly WASH initiatives. 
Learn more about our work in Kenya