Rotary International's Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs, a key focus area, have invested over $148 million in 2,000+ global projects since 2013, improving access to safe water and sanitation for millions. Projects focus on sustainable infrastructure, hygiene education, and, through partnerships like with USAID, improving school and community health.District 5830 sponsored the Holtz-Beaton Kidney Transplant global grant in Mexico City, and the Guaybus solar panel/ water purification global grant in Jalisco. District 5830 provided support to the Malawi Health Days global grant, and a Water and Sanitation global grant also in Mexico.
Key Areas of Focus and Impact
- WASH in Schools: Projects, such as in Lebanon and Guatemala, deliver clean water, toilets, and hygiene training to improve student health and attendance.
- Infrastructure Sustainability: Moving beyond just building, Rotary emphasizes long-term maintenance, such as solar-powered water systems in the Amazon and training community-managed committees.
- Health and Safety: By providing safe water and sanitation facilities, projects reduce waterborne diseases and improve safety, particularly for women who no longer need to walk long distances for water.
- Partnerships: Rotary partners with USAID for sustainable water and hygiene projects in countries like the Dominican Republic, Ghana, and the Philippines.
- Global Reach: Projects span the globe, from Papua New Guinea to Honduras, focusing on providing clean, safe, and reliable water access.
- Examples of Projects
- Lebanon: Providing clean water systems to schools and, in later phases, prisons.
- Papua New Guinea: Rainwater harvesting and distribution centers for 4,000 people.
- Honduras: Installing water filters, latrines, and, with the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi, a new water well in {Link: Choluteca https://www.rotarycc.com/intl-service/water-sanitation-projects.
- India: Installing water wells and bathhouses with, for instance, the {Link: Rotary Club of Vizianagaram https://rotaryserviceblog.org/2025/03/20/water-is-life-the-transformative-power-of-water-sanitation-and-hygiene.
Rotary aims for universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030, using local partnerships to ensure projects are culturally appropriate and sustainable.
