Water, sanitation and hygiene

Access to clean water, adequate sanitation and hygiene education are basic human needs and preconditions for a healthy environment, a productive life and personal dignity. Their absence contributes to the spread of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea and dysentery, which disproportionately affect children and vulnerable populations.

Rotary's approach goes beyond building infrastructure — it aims to create long-term, sustainable solutions that empower local communities. Since 2013, The Rotary Foundation has invested more than 130 million dollars in over 2,000 WASH projects worldwide.

Key activities

The goals align with the sixth United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

• Improving access to safe drinking water — purification systems, wells, rainwater harvesting, filters
• Developing sustainable sanitation in communities, schools and health facilities
• Promoting hygiene practices through workshops and campaigns, especially in schools
• Strengthening local capacity — water committees and training residents to maintain the systems

Impact

When communities gain access to clean water and adequate sanitation, waterborne illness falls, children are healthier and attend school more regularly — girls especially — and women spend less time collecting water, freeing them for education and work.

Rotarians in Serbia take part in these efforts through projects that answer local needs, with technical support from the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Rotarian Action Group (WASH-RAG).