In the village of Katoba, challenges stemming from poor hygiene and sanitation have long affected the lives of pupils at Katoba Primary School. Limited access to clean water and inadequate sanitation facilities have made it difficult for children to stay healthy and attend school regularly. Many students resort to using unsafe water sources, which increases their risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhoea. The lack of proper toilets and handwashing facilities has also contributed to unsanitary conditions, making it hard for pupils to practice good hygiene habits both in school and at home. These issues have particularly affected girls, who often miss school during their menstrual cycles due to the absence of private, clean facilities and access to sanitary products.

At Kanchomba Primary School in Hamaundu, Zambia, 19-year-old Jessica’s life has been dramatically transformed thanks to World Vision’s work in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Now in twelfth grade, Jessica recalls spending up to three hours each day fetching water. She would walk before school, at lunchtime, and again in the evening, often missing classes due to these lengthy trips.

Chiyumbabeenzu Health Post is staffed by one nurse, one psychosocial support officer, and two community health assistants. In Zambia’s Southern Province, they serve a community of over 3,000 residents, attending to up to 50 patients daily. For nearly a decade, the clinic operated without mechanised water. The handpump, which supplied water before World Vision intervened, was often broken, creating significant challenges, especially for expecting mothers.

“Before the borehole came, we used to suffer. We didn’t have the time to go to the field and cultivate. Only one person would go and farm, which is why poverty became worse,” says Charity.

Know Sofia, a girl who with another 600 people will benefit from improved sanitation and hygiene conditions by September this year, as part of an initiative facilitated by World Vision Mozambique with the support of Taiwan.

In Kosa Qala, northern Afghanistan, families had no choice but to drink from contaminated water sources. Waterborne diseases were part of daily life, especially for children. The burden fell hardest on women, children, and people with disabilities like Jamaludin. Now, clean water flows from taps at their doorsteps — a lifeline made possible through World Vision’s programme. But this progress is fragile. Afghanistan’s water crisis is a multifaceted emergency, fueled by climate change, and inadequate infrastructure. A staggering 59% of water systems are broken or dried up after decades of underfunding. Without urgent and sustained investment in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), millions more lives will be at risk. 🎥 Watch the story of Kosa Qala – a powerful reminder of what’s at stake and why this vital work must continue across more villages.