Water, sanitation and hygiene
Making sure that every child in Lesotho lives in a clean and safe environment
Challenge
Access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities and systems remain unequal in Lesotho. Only 72 per cent of the population uses basic drinking water services, 50 per cent access basic sanitation, and just 6 per cent have basic hygiene facilities such as handwashing facilities with water and soap that are essential to prevent the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19 or pneumonia and diarrhea. Climate shocks, aging infrastructure, and limited financing undermine progress.
Solution
UNICEF is supporting the Government of Lesotho to strengthen WASH systems with a focus on climate resilience, inclusiveness, and community-based service delivery. Key interventions include infrastructure development, WASH in schools and health care facilities, behaviour change communication, and improved data systems. UNICEF also promotes hygiene practices such as handwashing and menstrual hygiene, ensuring that no child is left behind.