Emmily drinks at an Oxfam water point in Mabondo village, Masvingo District, Zimbabwe. Photo: Aurelie Marrier D'Unienville / Oxfam
Emmily drinks at an Oxfam water point in Mabondo village, Masvingo District, Zimbabwe. Photo: Aurelie Marrier D'Unienville / Oxfam

Safe clean water saves lives

Water for all

With water on tap, food can grow, and people can thrive. Without it, every day 1,000 children die from diarrhoea. Millions of people die each year, simply for lack of something as simple as clean water or a safe place to store it.

But with access to safe water and hygiene facilities, people can protect themselves from deadly diseases.

What is Oxfam doing to help?

  • Oxfam water pump in Balukhali Camp

    We are working where emergencies and disasters strike

    Disease follows disasters, often killing more people than the initial emergency. So Oxfam acts quickly with others to provide clean water and sanitation, and help prevent deadly diseases spreading.

  • We are helping millions get safe, clean water

    It’s not just taps, tanks and toilets — though with millions of litres of water pumped each year, they’re something to shout about. It’s also sharing advice in schools on how to keep clean and stay safe. Installing irrigation systems to kickstart farming, fight famine and help people earn a living.

  • We are campaigning for access to safe water and toilets

    Too often, people have no choice but to drink dirty, unsafe water, and to use toilets, taps and containers that spread disease. So we campaign for everyone to be able to access the water we all need.

The impact of our work

Water

2.2billion

2.2 billion people do not have access to clean water at home.

800children

Every day, more than 800 children under 5 die from diarrhoea caused by dirty water.

2.3billion

2.3 billion people lack access to basic facilities like toilets.

Getting safe clean water flowing worldwide

The first time I got water from the tap I was ecstatic. I do not know how to describe my happiness; it is impossible.”

Emmely now has fresh clean water from a tap near her home.