Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Challenges in Yemen

Reports indicate that 17.8 million Yemenis urgently require humanitarian assistance for safe water and environmental sanitation. The majority, particularly in urban centers like Sana'a, Taiz, and Al-Hodeida, face water shortages and poor sanitation, worsened by ongoing displacement.

Water networks, serving 38 percent of the population, heavily rely on humanitarian aid. Interruptions force reliance on unsafe sources, aggravated by economic downturns since 2015. Moreover, only a fraction can afford water tanker transport, and home water treatment remains uncommon.

Despite millennium development goals, millions lack access to clean water and sanitation, especially in rural areas. Disparities persist, with millions globally lacking clean water access and resorting to open defecation.

Low personal hygiene exacerbates health issues, with over 2.5 million children at risk of diarrheal diseases. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts amidst ongoing conflicts, displacement, and infrastructure damage.

Vision of the Light Foundation on WASH Services:

• Providing emergency assistance and sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene services to vulnerable communities.

• Supporting projects prioritizing local sustainability to address marginalized groups' needs.

• Ensuring equal access to safe water to prevent diseases and save lives.

• Engaging communities in managing resources for maximum benefits.

• Focusing on renewable water sources and integrating WASH services, prioritizing physical hygiene alongside infrastructure.

• Adopting a community-led sanitation approach to eliminate open defecation through awareness and information sharing.

• Prioritizing vulnerable groups' access to services, including women, children, the elderly, and internally displaced persons.

• Supporting the repair, maintenance, and disinfection of networks to prevent disease outbreaks.

• Enhancing infrastructure in both rural and urban areas.

• Promoting healthy practices and improving system performance.

• Fostering local ownership and community involvement in programs.

• Ensuring access to water for mobile communities and displaced populations.