A number of Constituents have contacted me regarding Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and the global water crisis.

Safe water and sanitation are basic human needs. For so many, particularly in developing and conflict-affected states, these needs remain unmet. The UK Government is aware of the need to promote safe water, sanitation and hygiene globally and doing so is a global health priority for the FCDO.

The UK Government has committed to promoting improved access to WASH services by pledging to support the UN’s Sustainable development goals. Between 2015 and 2020, the UK aimed to provide 60 million people with improved water and sanitation, exceeding this target in August 2020. I am proud of the role the UK has played in leading a global collaborative effort, championing WASH globally and building consensus among international stakeholders.

The UK continues to work with international partners, attending the first UN High-Level Conference on Water in 40 years, held in March 2023, and entering into a £57.3 million partnership with UNICEF to provide sustainable WASH services to 3.8 million people in ten countries, through the Sanitation, Water and Hygiene for the Rural Poor programme (2017-2022). In addition, The UK Government announced £18.5 million of funding to improve the quality of water supply, and sanitation and hygiene services in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Ministers also met with international partners and members of the private sector to discuss ensuring water is a safe, sustainable and accessible resource globally. I am further encouraged by actions going forward, as set out in the FCDO's Ending Preventable Deaths Action Paper.