Help rural Nepalese with access to clean water

In 2025, Nepal Water for Health (NEWAH) celebrates 33 years of dedicated service in improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems across Nepal. Since its establishment, NEWAH has empowered rural communities, strengthened local capacities, and ensured sustainable access to safe water and sanitation through awareness, capacity building, policy engagement, and advocacy.

Over the past three decades, NEWAH has implemented 2,782 projects across 53 districts, benefiting 2.27 million people. In the fiscal year 2024–25 alone, 54 projects, including one school WASH initiative, were completed in Baglung, Myagdi, Sindhuli, and Kavre. These reached 4,028 households, 49 schools, and 7 health centers, serving 29,571 people through systems mainly based on simple gravity flow, supported by solar and electric lifting technology.

The achievements of fiscal year 2024–25, demonstrate NEWAH’s continued relevance and capacity to deliver quality and inclusive WASH services even amid changing development contexts. These results are a testament to the strong partnerships with communities, local governments, and development partners, as well as the dedication of NEWAH’s staff and board.

As NEWAH looks ahead, it remains steadfast in its mission to support Nepal’s journey toward universal WASH coverage, climate-resilient systems, and sustainable water security. Building on its rich legacy, NEWAH will continue to innovate, collaborate, and advocate for policies and practices that ensure no one is left behind in accessing safe water and sanitation.

NEWAH utilized GlobalGiving funds alongside other contributions to implement 57 WASH projects in 2023–24, benefiting 29,409 people in Baglung, Myagdi, Sindhuli, and Kavre.These projects aimed to improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services in underserved communities.

NEWAH adopted the total sanitation approach to promote sustainable behavior change in hygiene and sanitation. Through community-based education, volunteer capacity building, school WASH committees, and child health groups, the organization conducted extensive hygiene promotion. Construction of hygiene-supportive infrastructure such as drying racks, washing slabs, and hand washing stations further strengthened these efforts.

To reinforce hygiene practices, communities were oriented on the importance of hand washing with soap, and IEC materials were widely distributed. Awareness campaigns, including those held during WASH-related days and Menstrual Hygiene Day, focused on domestic water treatment and sanitation behaviors. These integrated activities supported progress toward achieving the national goal of declaring clean and healthy communities under Nepal’s total sanitation guidelines.