Our work Learn about our key areas of WaterAid's work to reduce inequalities of access to water, sanitation and hygiene, and explore related insights and publications. Water Around the world, 771 million people live without clean water close to home. Sanitation Almost 1.7 billion people – more than one in five – don’t have a decent toilet of their own. Hygiene Hygiene is crucial to preventing disease. Together with clean water and decent sanitation it can transform people’s health, education and livelihoods. Aid effectiveness Aid effectiveness is about improving the quality of aid and its impact on people living in poverty. Climate change The climate crisis is a water crisis. For millions of people that means their access to clean water and proper sanitation is under threat. Disasters In places where the water supply is already poor and sanitation is inadequate, disasters make life even more difficult for people. Equality and non-discrimination We believe everyone, everywhere should have the basic services of clean water, decent sanitation and good hygiene. Finance In many of the countries where we work, the water, sanitation and hygiene sector is chronically under-resourced. Governance Only with strong political decision making and effective service delivery systems can we reach everyone, everywhere. Health Clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene are the foundations for good health, keeping people safe from deadly diseases. Innovation We use pioneering technologies, especially for water pumps and toilets, and explore new, better ways of working in partnership. Monitoring and accountability We monitor progress in delivery of clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene at global, national and organisational levels. Partnerships Our aim to reach everyone with water, sanitation and hygiene can only be achieved by working together with governments, civil society and the private sector. Sustainable Development Goals How can the world work together to reach everyone, everywhere with clean water, decent sanitation and good hygiene by 2030? Sustainability How can we make sure clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene are a normal part of daily life – for good? Technology Which technologies help us make clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone, everywhere? Urban and small towns The global urban population is expanding rapidly. What does this mean for access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene?