Sierra Leone faces significant challenges in water and sanitation access, with national coverage estimated at 57% for water and only 13% for sanitation. In rural areas, access to safe water drops to 40%, and a large portion of the population still practices open defecation due to inadequate sanitation infrastructure. As a result, many water sources become polluted and contaminated, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Since its inception in September 2019, the project has significantly improved access to safe drinking water, reaching children and their families across multiple communities. The initiative also emphasized community engagement and education on proper water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices. The distribution of P&G water purification sachets, alongside training sessions, empowered communities with the knowledge and tools to sustain improved water quality.

Beyond enhancing water safety, the project plays a pivotal role in reducing health risks and advancing an improved learning environment for children. Schools and households that benefited from the initiative reported a decline in waterborne illnesses, leading to increased school attendance and greater interest among children in learning about hygiene and sanitation practices

To improve the health and well-being of rural communities by reducing the incidences of waterborne diseases through increased access to safe drinking water in at least 8,400 households, particularly benefiting children and improving their quality of life

Learn more at Procter and Gamble (P&G)

Local Partners: Daindemben, Munafa M’Patie and N’domakeh Federations

Role: Support in the overall implementation, distribute water purifiers sachets, facilitate software training, conduct campaigns, and monitor usage of the water sachets.

Role: Support in the training of hygiene promoters and community Health  workers on Sanitation and hygiene promotion.

Learn more at https://mohs.gov.sl/

Support in the training of water management committees, conduct water quality testing and supervision. 

Learn more at https://mwr.gov.sl/

• Bombali
• Kailahun
• Koinadugu
• Kono
• Bo
• Moyamba
• Tonkolili

This project made significant strides in improving access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene for children and families across multiple communities:

• • Access to Safe Water: Reached 47,320 children and their families in 8,400 households with safe and clean drinking water, reducing their reliance on unsafe sources.
  • Water Purification: Distributed over 3.6 million water purification sachets (15,131 cartons) to 22 communities across 7 districts, coupled with training on correct usage to ensure water safety at the household level.
    
  • BioSand Filtration Systems: Introduced point-of-use BioSand filtration systems in all 7 districts—an adaptation of traditional slow sand filters—to enhance water quality at the community level.
    
  • Infrastructure Development: Constructed and rehabilitated 9 hand-dug wells and improved school latrines, promoting better sanitation and hygiene practices among learners and school communities.

These interventions are contributing to healthier environments, reduced risk of waterborne diseases, and improved wellbeing for children and families.