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  • Papua New Guinea
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Papua New Guinea

85% of the population lives in hard to reach rural areas with little or no public services.

people in Papua New Guinea don't have access to safe water. This is two thirds of the population.

Over 3.7 million people don't have access to adequate sanitation in Papua New Guinea, over half of the population.

Over 900 children die every year from diarrhoea caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation in Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea in the Pacific region is one of the most culturally diverse countries on the planet, but also one of the poorest. More than half the population lacks access to a safe water source and a basic toilet.

The crisis

Papua New Guinea is largely rural, with communities often in remote, inaccessible locations. This makes it hard to provide essential services like water and toilets, making diarrhoeal diseases common.

Rainfall is unreliable due to environmental factors, such as changes in sea temperatures. The annual monsoon season is often followed by periods of drought, making it difficult to access water all year long.

A lack of understanding about the importance of toilets and basic hygiene practices also leads to diarrhoeal illnesses, making many people too sick to get an education or go to work.

Our approach

In Papua New Guinea we work with local partners, such as other charities and organisations, to provide essential services. Using simple, low-cost technologies we help people access life-changing safe water and toilets

We work with schools to ensure students and teachers have water points and basic toilets, allowing them to attend and get on with lessons. We also promote the need for hand-washing and good menstrual hygiene practices.

We use films and radio programmes to spread awareness of the difference that safe water, good hygiene and sanitation can make. We influence decision-makers to prioritise these basic human rights.

Our impact

Our global impact >

In Papua New Guinea last year we reached:

  • 7,000 people with safe water
  • 14,000 people with improved sanitation.