No matter where you are in the world, handwashing with soap is the first line of defense against the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, in many developing countries, this simple task is nearly impossible. Even prior to the pandemic, 3 billion people around the world did not have access to water at home to enable handwashing, drinking, or growing food. The COVID pandemic puts struggling water systems under further stress, and threatens to roll back progress made on expanding water access to the neediest.

To mitigate a potential water and sanitation crisis, USAID is leveraging existing water for the world programs and networks to help partner countries keep water flowing during the pandemic and beyond, while also promoting hygiene. The availability and accessibility of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in homes, communities, schools, health facilities, and markets is critical to stopping the spread of COVID-19. It also provides a foundation for safely reopening economies and preventing potential second waves of transmission.