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On World Water Day, Muslim Hands France calls for increased support to expand access to safe water
PARIS, 20 March 2026 – One in four people worldwide still lack access to safe drinking water – around 2.1 billion people. Access to clean water remains one of the most pressing public health and development challenges today, as climate shocks intensify and conflict and displacement continue to disrupt essential services (UNICEF/WHO).
Across many regions, recurring droughts, shrinking water resources and fragile security conditions are making it increasingly difficult for communities to meet their basic needs, with serious consequences for health.
Without safe water, millions remain exposed to preventable water-related diseases. Diarrhoeal diseases remain among the leading causes of death in young children. At the same time, 1.7 billion people still lack access to basic hygiene services (UNICEF/WHO).
In households without water on site, women and girls are most often responsible for collecting it—seven out of ten times. This daily task can take hours, limiting time for education and income-generating activities.
“In many communities, women and girls bear the burden of limited access to water. Every hour spent collecting water is time taken away from education and livelihoods. When access is secured, it transforms lives - for families and entire communities. Investing in water is investing in equality and in the future,” said Reynald Blion, CEO of Muslim Hands France.
In areas affected by drought, water stress and high climate variability, deep boreholes, alongside existing water infrastructure, help secure more sustainable access to water. By tapping into groundwater sources, they reduce dependence on already strained surface water.
Over the past two years, Muslim Hands France has helped hundreds of thousands of people gain access to safe drinking water by installing water infrastructure across countries including Mali, Pakistan, Malawi, Niger, The Gambia and Sri Lanka—all facing significant water stress. These efforts have been reinforced by deep boreholes in the most affected areas, helping to ensure more sustainable and reliable access to water.
Between 2024 and 2025, nearly 3,000 water facilities were built or rehabilitated in these water-stressed settings. Access to water is not only a matter of survival—it also saves time, particularly for women and girls, enabling them to pursue education and livelihoods. It is a key driver of resilience, dignity and long-term development.
As needs continue to grow, particularly in fragile and crisis-affected settings, Muslim Hands France - together with the wider Muslim Hands network - remains committed to scaling up investment in sustainable water solutions, ensuring that vulnerable communities are not left behind.
Media contact :
Lalaina Andriamasinoro
06 52 24 99 61
mhf.presse@muslimhands.fr
Muslim Hands France