A solar-powered pump draws clean water for the Mulundu, Zambia community.

Recognizing World Water Day - March 22

Water is life. Access to clean and reliable water is not just about quenching thirst. It’s also about safeguarding health and enabling communities to thrive. Yet, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), over two billion people globally still lack access to safe drinking water. In many developing countries, families rely on distant or contaminated water sources, increasing the risk of severe illnesses caused by poor sanitation and lack of access to clean water. For children under five, unsafe water is a leading cause of death, with diarrhea-related illnesses claiming thousands of lives annually.

Beyond physical health, the absence of reliable water access also affects mental well-being and economic stability. Women and children often bear the burden of fetching water, walking long distances each day. This time-consuming task limits educational opportunities for children and reduces productive hours for women, perpetuating cycles of poverty.

HealthEd Connect, through the generosity of donors and grants, has been investing in water, sanitation, and hygiene projects in multiple communities. Solar-powered pumps draw water from deep boreholes, ensuring a consistent water supply within the community, and reducing labor-intensive journeys to collect water. Latrines improve community health by ensuring human waste is properly disposed and does not contaminate land and water. And our Community Health Advocates educate women, children, and families about the importance of good hygiene, safe sanitation, and clean drinking water to prevent illnesses. They also teach caregivers how to make and administer Oral Rehydration Solution, credited with saving children’s lives.

Supporting initiatives that provide access to clean water transforms lives, laying the foundation for health, education, and economic empowerment. Every drop counts!