Health stories

Together, we've empowered millions of people with access to safe water and sanitation. We invite you to meet some of them and read their stories.

All stories
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She is not afraid anymore

With no more uncertainty about the quality of their water or from where it will come each day, Carfel confidently shared, “I am not afraid anymore.” Thanks to the support of our generous donors and funders, Carfel’s worries and fears about the water her family needed have turned to gratitude and comfort because now they have lasting access to safe water at home and the health, hope, and life that flow from it.

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From far away to close to home

Her family used to walk more than one hour to collect the water they needed. From far away to close to home, Christina shortened the distance between her family and the safe water they needed to survive and thrive.

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When you have water...

Without access to water on their property, Resty, along with her three children—ages 14, 9, and 7—woke early each day to make several trips to a neighbor’s home to collect the water they needed. In addition to collecting water from their neighbor’s well, Resty and her children walked to a nearby river to bathe and do laundry. Resty wanted a safe water solution for her family at home and through our work, she was able to give them one.

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Good mornings start with coffee and safe water at home

Nailton’s family needed consistent access to safe water at home. For their household chores, their coffee farm, and their health—access to safe water on their property was essential for their survival. In expressing just how invaluable water is to his family, Nailton shared, “Water is a precious resource, isn’t it?" Read more about how the husband and father in Brazil was empowered to give his family this precious resource.

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Safe water for Fabiana and Jose's family

Celebrating the life-changing solution Fabiana shared, “Our lives changed one hundred percent! I used to carry water on my head. I washed dishes and clothes in the river.” Read Fabiana and Jose's story to learn how a small, affordable loan helped change their family's lives in Brazil.

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It was time

When Fatema’s children suffered from illnesses like typhoid and dysentery far too many times, she decided it was time for a solution to her family’s need for an improved toilet. Then a neighbor shared a possible solution with Fatema. Read more to find out how this determined mom in Bangladesh solved her family's sanitation crisis.

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Safe water for Sharifa's family and friends

As a mother of young children, Sharifa struggled with the time it took to find and collect water for her family. And most of all, she struggled with seeing her children get sick from the only water she could give them.

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Today, Rozina's daughters can play

Rozina’s daughters missed out on many days of childhood play. Without access to a safe toilet at home her eight and four-year-old girls were often sick from using the toilet outdoors. Rozina knew her home’s lack of a clean, safe toilet and a source of safe water were the cause of her children's illnesses. Rozina was happy she could finally give her family a solution to their water and sanitation crisis.

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This mom wanted the best thing for her children and that is safe water

From illnesses due to drinking dirty pond water to long, unsafe walks to collect water far away, this mother of three in Bangladesh is thankful she and her children no longer face the challenges posed by the water crisis.

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Closer to home

In the heart of Indonesia, where lush landscapes and a commitment to daily prayer abound, lies the inspiring story of Patahimawati – a woman who, like millions of women around the world, struggled with the daily challenges of inadequate access to safe water and sanitation at home. Her life took a transformative turn, however, when her family got affordable, lasting access to safe water at home.

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Closing the gap between Rwamburi and the water its families need to survive

The Rwamburi Water Project committee formed with hopes of finding an affordable, safe, sustainable solution to their community’s water crisis. Read more about how Water.org’s work to increase affordable access to safe water helped empower the committee to close the gap between their community and access to the safe water they need to survive and thrive

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Kantabai gave her family safe water and a bright future

In the countries where we work, like India, women and children often bear the primary responsibility for water collection. After decades of collecting water from distant sources outdoors, Kantabai is thankful she could finally give her sons, daughter-in-laws, and grandchildren safe water at home.

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Together, we can empower more families with safe water.

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