Global Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene (WASH)

Mural on school building illustrating handwashing steps and encouraging students to practice hand hygiene.

CDC and Partners
Support Efforts to Improve
Universal Hand Hygiene

Global access to safe water, adequate sanitation, and proper hygiene education can reduce illness and death from disease, leading to improved health, poverty reduction, and socio-economic development. However, many countries are challenged to provide these basic needs to their populations, leaving people at risk for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)-related diseases.

Global WASH Fast Facts

Find latest WASH statistics on access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene around the world.

World Water Day

Discover the importance of World Water Day and learn about the need to improve global access to safe water.

Household Water Treatment

Water pouring into a yellow portable storage container

Learn about the ways to make water safe, tips for choosing water storage containers and more.

Stories from the Field

Read about CDC’s efforts promoting access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene around the world.

Community Water Systems & Water Safety Plans

Sanitation & Hygiene

WASH in Healthcare Facilities

Household Water Treatment

Travelers’ Health

Public Health & Medical Professionals

Communication Resources

Publications, Data, Statistics

CDC at Work: Global WASH

CDC provides expertise and interventions aimed at saving lives and reducing illness by improving global access to safe water, adequate sanitation, and improved hygiene.

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Additional Resources