Improved water and sanitation are critical for health, as inadequate sources of drinking water and poor hygiene affect school performance and household productivity. Despite this, World Bank surveys show that only 5 out of 10 households have access to improved sanitation and 8 out of 10 to improved water sources. HIRDA operates in a water-scarce Gedo region where communities and schools struggle with poor sanitation and water access. Our work cannot be complete without attention to the gaps in WASH-related areas across the communities we serve.

Our goal is to increase access to WASH services in learning centres, health facilities and communities to reduce the spread of waterborne diseases and enhance overall community resilience. With support from UNICEF, we have reached over 7600 children in 22 schools with clean potable water. The extension of this programme has connected over 15,000 people in Belet- Hawa, Bardera, and Burdubo to clean water sources. HIRDA is committed to mobilising resources and developing programmes in the WASH sector to meet demand and improve access to clean water.