Access to clean water is a human right that will help end malnutrition.
Access to clean water is global challenge—approximately 2 billion people cannot easily or reliably access the water they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Women and girls in particular bear the responsibility of managing household water resources. They often walk miles per day to fetch water, which draws on their limited time and can put them at risk for violence and physical injury.
Reliable access to clean, close water sources reduces that burden and improves health outcomes for entire families. Pregnant and nursing mothers, in particular, require ample hydration to support their own well-being and the healthy development of their children. Clean water from rehabilitated water sources reduces the risk of waterborne diseases, which can severely impact maternal and early childhood nutrition.
In Uganda, nearly half of the population—almost 23 million people—do not have reasonable access to clean water. Improving access, particularly for women and young children, is a crucial step in ending malnutrition.
Therefore, as part of the Global Alliance for Sustainable Nutrition, we worked with communities in Butambala and Iganda districts to rehabilitate ten wells that serve about 19,000 people.
Initially, we had dirty water exposing people, especially children, to diseases [that cause] diarrhea. However, upon rehabilitation, we now have clean and safe water near us, so the women do not have to walk long distances in search of clean water. They now have enough time to look after their children and also prepare nutritious meals with clean water.
Charles, local council chairman in the Butambala District
As the wells were rehabilitated, we trained nearly 600 local volunteers, called animators, on sanitation and hygiene practices. In turn, they mobilized over 1,600 people to attend workshops and learn about the importance of good hygiene and sanitation. Since these trainings, more community members have adopted hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing, that reduce the spread of diseases that affect maternal and child health. This has helped to safeguard maternal nutrient intake and supported optimal child growth and development.
Sanitation and hygiene in homes has improved since the water source is nearby and the water is clean. We do not have to worry about economizing water for fear to walk another distance to fetch it. In addition, we no longer have to wake up so early in the morning to fetch water before it is dirtied by other users.
Grace from Butambala District in Uganda
As an added nutrition benefit, the wells allowed for irrigation of backyard gardens. We have been working with many families in these communities to plant diverse garadens to support proper nutrition. The crops, ranging from leafy greens to bananas to chilies and spices provide a diverse range of essential vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients.
Transformative change is possible.
The improved access to clean, safe water is transforming maternal and child nutrition throughout Butambala and Iganga. Women have more time, which many are choosing to devote to gardening and preparing nutritious meals for their children. They are freed from the stress that dirty water could lead to a disease that severely malnourishes their child. They are able to focus on creating a future where their family thrives.
Join us today to create a world without hunger.
May 28 is World Hunger Day. This year’s theme is Thriving Mothers. Thriving World.
Visit worldhungerday.org to take action and get involved.
Photo credit: Woman using a rehabilitated well to fill a yellow jerrycan with clean water in Uganda, 2023 © The Hunger Project