Almost a quarter of the population of Burkina Faso lacks access to safe water. 20,000 children under the age of five die every year from water-related diarrhoea.

Droughts are increasingly common and water supply services in many areas are inadequate. In one part of the country, mining activity often contaminates water with naturally-occurring arsenic.

The sanitation situation is even worse, with just one in ten people having access to a toilet. As a result, defecating in the open is common, contaminating water sources further.

WaterAid has been working in Burkina Faso since 2001. We work through local partners who understand the specific challenges faced, to ensure we reach those most in need.

We also carry out advocacy work to influence key decision-makers. Our efforts have inspired the government to carry out a country-wide campaign on sanitation and hold a national sanitation forum.

Our work is focussed on reaching the poorest and most marginalised people. One example is a credit scheme for sanitation and soap-making enterprises, enabling women to earn an income while raising hygiene awareness.

In Burkina Faso last year we reached:

• 44,000 people with safe water
• 50,000 people with improved sanitation.