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WASH: Water, Sanitation & Hygiene

Access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene is essential for health and dignity. ZOA helps people affected by conflict and disaster restore these services and build resilience to future crises.

What & Why | Our Approach | Stories | Partners | Resources | Contact

A woman carrying water in Ethiopia
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What & Why

Safe water and sanitation in times of crisis

Conflict and natural disasters can leave people without access to safe drinking water, sanitation and basic hygiene facilities, putting their health and dignity at risk. ZOA responds by providing safe water, constructing water points and latrines, and promoting hygiene.

Beyond emergency relief, ZOA works with communities and local authorities to strengthen water and sanitation services. We support local water management, promote climate-resilient solutions and help prevent tensions around water access. By involving communities in planning, implementation and maintenance, we aim to ensure sustainable services that meet local needs.

Our Approach

ZOA combines emergency WASH assistance with longer-term recovery. Our work focuses on restoring access to essential services, strengthening local water systems and supporting communities to manage water and sanitation services sustainably.

Women in South Sudan carrying water
Bikila Hika

Bikila Hika, WASH Advisor for ZOA Ethiopia:

Safe water, sanitation and hygiene are more than basic needs; they are the foundation of health and dignity.

Working Together

Partners

Strong partnerships are essential to sustainable water and sanitation services. ZOA works with communities, local authorities and other organisations to strengthen WASH responses in crisis-affected areas.

At country level, we collaborate with local water authorities and participate in WASH coordination structures, including the WASH Cluster. These collaborations help align activities with local priorities and broader humanitarian responses. ZOA is also part of the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP), a network connecting organisations working in the water sector.

More about partnerships

Resources

Kids at a water pump
Document

ZOA's WASH Policy

Water source in Yemen
Document

Integrated Water Resource Management

Want to know more?

Contact us

Interested in learning more about ZOA's WASH expertise or exploring opportunities for collaboration? Feel free to get in touch.

Matthijs Wessels - WASH Specialist
m.wessels@zoa.ngo

Matthijs Wessels