Clean water is vital for a healthy population.  In Malawi, 80% of the population has access to an improved source of drinking water, but that leaves about 4 million people who still lack access to safe water. Additionally, only six percent of the population has access to an improved sanitation facility. Poor sanitation practices and improper storage of drinking water commonly lead to waterborne illnesses such as cholera.

According to the 2010 Demographic Health Survey, 78% of children under two years old experienced at least one incident of diarrhea. In Malawi, 80% of the population has access to an improved source of drinking water, but about 4 million people continue to lack access to safe drinking water. Based on international standards, six percent of the population has access to a sanitation facility. Poor practices surrounding transportation and storage of drinking water make waterborne illnesses including cholera still commonplace. In 2009, 78% of children under 2 experienced at least one incident of diarrhea.

USAID works closely with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Irrigation and Water Development to strengthen the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector. As part of this important partnership, USAID is committed to working with the government of Malawi, development partners, and civil society to improve access to and provision of quality WASH services.