Report highlights world’s clean water and sanitation shortfall

Find out how the global community is falling short

Imagine: 2.2-billion people worldwide don’t have safe water to drink, 4.2 billion don’t have safe sanitation and three billion don’t have basic handwashing facilities, notes a new report from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Access is only part of the solution. “If the water isn’t clean, isn’t safe to drink or is far away, and if toilet access is unsafe or limited, then we’re not delivering for the world’s children,” explains Kelly Ann Naylor, UNICEF.

And, access issues caused by drought is another big issue. India is experiencing that in Chennai, where four water reservoirs have dried up, according to BBC reports.

At Christian Children’s Fund of Canada, we’re committed to breaking down barriers preventing access to safe, clean resources. In our last fiscal year, we built or renovated 832 sanitation facilities and seven water facilities in the three countries where we have sponsored children.

Support clean-water projects today though our gift catalogue.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

 

About Inspiring Stories

October 2026

From a Bride-to-Be to an Active Student in a Class

How one aunt's advocacy stopped a child marriage in Ghana and kept Rukaya in school. Read how community awareness is changing girls' futures.

October 2026

Where girls now dream instead of marry

In Mosalamadugu, India, a village united to end child marriage. Meet Geetha, who finished her degree and now dreams of more for her future.

September 2026

Rebuilding hope in Burkina Faso's crisis zone

In Burkina Faso, displacement and insecurity have closed schools and shattered routines. Discover how the PROSIPE project is restoring education, safety, and hope for children like Faiza.