Provide Clean Water for Communities in Afghanistan

by AAFF

Summary

The UN states, "access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene is the most basic need for health and wellbeing." In 2024, more than half of Afghanistan's population did not have access to clean water. Years of drought are impacting water tables causing existing water sources to run dry. AAFF responds to this need by partnering with Afghan communities to provide or repair wells and water storage systems in their communities. In 2025, we plan to provide access to clean water to 7 Afghan communities.

$36,000
total goal

$22,918
remaining

58
donors

1
monthly donor

2
years

Challenge

Most Afghans must collect water outside their homes requiring long walks carrying heavy containers in extreme temperatures. Often the nearest water source, such as a shallow well or stream, could be contaminated or polluted. About half of the deaths of Afghan children under the age of 5 are from water-born diseases. Children often collect water for their families. This time consuming responsibility can keep children from attending school and puts them at risk of violence on the long walk.

Solution

AAFF partners with Afghan communities to provide wells and water storage systems to Afghan communities that lack access to clean water. Hand pump wells are placed within communities that are a short walking distance from most homes. Water levels at each location are tested to ensure wells reach the proper depth for safe drinking water. Each well serves several hundred families, which means these families have easily accessible, clean water that positively impacts their health and wellbeing.

Long-Term Impact

Access to clean water within a short walking distance from home decreases the amount of water-born diseases and children's death, and increases hygiene, which prevents the spread of infectious diseases. Children's improved health and decreased time collecting water can increase school attendance. Spending less time collecting water can increase families' productivity and safety. This has a long-term positive impact on the community as the overall health, and safety of the group improves.