Clean water is not just a basic need—it’s a matter of survival. Lack of safe water and proper sanitation kills more people each year than all forms of violence. Waterborne diseases like cholera, which thrive in areas where clean water is scarce, are devastating vulnerable communities. And yet one in three people globally do not have access to safe drinking water.

Cholera is a deadly bacterial infection that causes severe dehydration through diarrhea and vomiting. Without proper treatment, it can be fatal within hours. This preventable disease is spread through contaminated water and food, often in areas with poor sanitation and overflowing latrines. In 2023, cholera deaths globally increased by a staggering 71%, according to the World Health Organization.

At Oxfam, we know that the key to stopping cholera is prevention. By ensuring that people have access to clean water, toilets, and soap, we can halt the spread of infectious diseases. Oxfam is on the ground, trucking in water, repairing wells, and installing latrines in areas hardest hit by these outbreaks. This work is crucial, especially for malnourished children, who are most at risk of dying from preventable diseases like cholera. According to UNICEF, nearly 800 children die every day from illnesses linked to unsafe water and poor sanitation.

In addition to improving water access, Oxfam trains local communities on hygiene practices to protect themselves from disease. We distribute soap, water purification tablets, and other essential supplies while teaching people how to stay safe and make their water drinkable. This knowledge helps communities during the current crisis and builds resilience for future outbreaks.

Disease outbreaks put lives at risk

The situation in Gaza is dire. Oxfam and local partners are working to restore access to clean water and prevent waterborne diseases like Hepatitis A and polio. As of May 2024, over 727,000 people were affected by sanitation-related diseases, so the need for immediate intervention is critical. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable, and without urgent resources, the threat of a widespread outbreak looms large.

In Yemen, climate change has further exacerbated the crisis. Over half of the country’s population requires humanitarian assistance, and the drying up of wells has left millions without access to safe water. Oxfam’s work to rebuild water systems and provide sanitation in schools is helping to save lives, but more must be done.

Bangladesh is also facing a looming health emergency. Recent floods have wiped out water and sanitation systems across 11 districts, leaving families at high risk of contracting waterborne diseases. Oxfam is responding by providing shelter, hygiene kits, and safe sanitation facilities, but the scale of the disaster demands more resources.

Across Africa, the Mpox outbreak is complicating already stretched humanitarian efforts, particularly in refugee camps and remote areas of countries like Kenya, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Without access to healthcare infrastructure, vaccines, or treatment, vulnerable populations are at the mercy of this deadly virus.