Hikma Charity Association Somalia’s WASH Programme aims to improve access to safe water, adequate sanitation, and appropriate hygiene practices among vulnerable communities throughout Somalia. Access to clean water and safe sanitation is essential for public health, dignity, food security, education, and community resilience.

Communities affected by drought, displacement, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure may face serious challenges in accessing sufficient water for drinking, cooking, personal hygiene, and household needs. Inadequate sanitation and limited hygiene facilities can further increase the risk of waterborne diseases and other preventable health problems.

Hikma seeks to address these challenges through water supply infrastructure, emergency water trucking, borehole drilling, shallow wells, solar-powered water systems, water storage facilities, sanitation improvements, hygiene promotion, and community water management.

The programme prioritizes vulnerable and underserved communities, including IDP settlements, drought-affected households, rural communities, schools, and healthcare facilities. Through partnerships with donors, technical service providers, community representatives, and relevant authorities, Hikma aims to support sustainable and accountable WASH services across Somalia.

2. Background and Rationale

Reliable access to safe water and sanitation is fundamental to human health and well-being. However, many communities in Somalia face water shortages, deteriorating infrastructure, limited sanitation facilities, and seasonal droughts. These challenges can increase household expenditure, expose people to unsafe water sources, and place additional burdens on women and children who often collect water.

Displaced households and drought-affected communities may be particularly vulnerable when water sources are distant, unreliable, contaminated, or unaffordable. Schools and health facilities also require safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services to maintain appropriate learning and healthcare environments.

Hikma Charity Association Somalia seeks to respond through emergency assistance and longer-term WASH interventions that improve water availability, strengthen sanitation, promote healthy practices, and build community capacity to manage water resources.

All infrastructure activities will be based on technical assessments, water-quality testing, environmental considerations, and appropriate operation and maintenance arrangements.