Towards resilient healthcare: Pan-Africa advocacy strategy on WASH and health 2025-2030

With fragile health systems, a rising disease burden, and limited investment, Africa faces urgent challenges – particularly in maternal and newborn health. Poor water, sanitation and hygiene conditions in healthcare facilities are a leading driver of preventable infections, healthcare-associated deaths and public health crises. This strategy sets out a bold vision to integrate gender-responsive water, sanitation and hygiene into healthcare systems as a critical foundation for health, dignity and resilience across Africa.

This strategy aims to position water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) as an essential building block of quality healthcare and resilience. It focuses on strengthening policies, legal frameworks, governance, and accountability across the continent by working with key institutions such as the African Union, African Ministers’ Council on Water, Regional Economic Communities, Africa Centre for Disease Control, and the development banks. It also prioritises partnerships with civil society, youth, and women’s organisations to drive advocacy and track public spending on WASH.

By 2030, we aim to achieve improved WASH integration in health sector plans, increased political will, stronger financial commitments, and empowered citizens holding governments accountable. Through targeted advocacy, capacity building, and investment, along with our partners, we will champion a future where every health facility in Africa delivers care in a safe, hygienic, and dignified environment for all. 

Find out more about our pan-African advocacy strategy for climate

Top image: Mah carrying her baby boy, Lamine, who is 6 months old in Mali.