World Water Day
Access to safe water is a basic human right and an essential element in maintaining our health and well-being. Still, hundreds of millions of people around the world lack access to safe water. On World Water Day, we join the call of those around the world working to ensure that all people have easy access to this essential ingredient to a safe, healthy and peaceful life.
World Water Day 2026: Where water flows, equality grows
In the village of Lonfoloko in the west-African nation of Togo, a volunteer and member of the local Mothers Club pumps water from a well the group manages — part of the club's daily work keeping their families and communites healthy, clean and safe.
Photo: Aduratomi Bolade/IFRC
In the village of Lonfoloko in the west-African nation of Togo, it’s the women who manage the community’s water supply. Whether it’s pumping clean water from the community well, or or carrying it from local streams, they are the ones how use water everyday to keep their families and their households nourished, clean and healthy.
As we mark World Water Day 2026 (which this year takes on the theme ‘Water and gender: Where water flows, equality grows’) we share stories about the power of water in ensuring equitable access to health, hygiene, inclusion and even basic safety.
In Zambia, meanwhile, the provision of water and hygiene supplies during a devastating drought, was critical to protection of women who often have to walk longer and longer distances as local water sources dwindle. And in Chad and South Sudan, provision of safe clean water ensure that women and girls living in camps for refugees can remain safe and healthy as they wait for confict to end and hope for a better future.
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When the rivers rose: Despite mud, washed-out roads and blackouts, Indonesia Red Cross volunteers delivered clean water, health and a ray of hope
When the rivers rose: Despite mud, washed-out roads and blackouts, Indonesia Red Cross volunteers delivered clean water, health and a ray of hope
Uneven rains, unequal impact: Drought and hunger in Northern Kenya. The IFRC and the Kenya Red Cross respond.
Uneven rains, unequal impact: Drought and hunger in Northern Kenya. The IFRC and the Kenya Red Cross respond.
The Cuban Red Cross brings water, healthcare, and support to communities affected by Hurricane Melissa
The Cuban Red Cross brings water, healthcare, and support to communities affected by Hurricane Melissa
Water without fear: Special World Water Day reporting from South Sudan, where local Red Cross teams provide water that helps thousands stay safer and healthier in the midst of conflict and drought.
Water without fear: Special World Water Day reporting from South Sudan, where local Red Cross teams provide water that helps thousands stay safer and healthier in the midst of conflict and drought.
What does the IFRC do to ensure access to water?
First-grade student Alif Aqabat washes her hands in safe, clean water at the Asmaa School for Girls in the city of Dhamar, Yemen, thanks to a project undertaken by the Yemeni Red Crescent, with support of the IFRC and the European Union.
Photo: Yemen Red Crescent Society
The IFRC works to ensure that people around the world have equitable, sustainable and affordable access to water, sanitation and hygiene services and knowledge (WASH).
We do so by supporting our 191 National Societies to deliver effective emergency, recovery and long-term WASH programmes.
Collectively, we reach over 100 million people with quality water, sanitation and hygiene activities every year.