Rotary Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Month: A Call for Global Action March is recognized as Rotary’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Month, a time when Rotary International and its global network of clubs focus on addressing one of the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges: access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. As part of Rotary’s Areas of Focus, this initiative underscores the organization's commitment to sustainable development, improving public health, and reducing waterborne diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, nearly 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water, and 4.2 billion people—more than half of the global population—live without adequate sanitation services. Millions of people suffer from preventable diseases due to poor hygiene practices, which contribute to high mortality rates, especially among children under the age of five. Waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid continue to devastate communities, particularly in impoverished and rural areas. Women and children are disproportionately affected, often spending hours each day fetching water instead of pursuing education or economic activities. By prioritizing WASH initiatives, Rotary seeks to break this cycle and create healthier, more sustainable communities. Rotary International has long been at the forefront of global water and sanitation efforts. Through partnerships with governments, non-profits, and local organizations, Rotary clubs worldwide have implemented thousands of WASH projects that focus on infrastructure, education, and community engagement. Some key areas of Rotary’s WASH efforts include:

• Providing clean drinking water: Building wells, rainwater harvesting systems, and water filtration units.
• Improving sanitation infrastructure: Constructing toilets, septic systems, and wastewater treatment plants.
• Promoting hygiene education: Teaching handwashing, menstrual hygiene management, and disease prevention.
• Supporting sustainable solutions: Encouraging community ownership and training the locals to maintain these WASH facilities.

Rotary clubs have spearheaded numerous transformative projects worldwide. Some notable examples include:

1. Kenya’s Clean Water Wells Initiative
2. Honduras School Sanitation Program
3. India’s Hygiene and Sanitation Training
4. Water Filtration in the Philippines

These projects not only provide immediate relief but also foster long-term resilience by empowering these local communities. The Road Ahead: A Sustainable Future While great progress has been made, the need for clean water, sanitation, and hygiene remains urgent. As climate change, population growth, and urbanization intensify water scarcity and pollution, the importance of sustainable and innovative solutions cannot be overstated. Rotary International’s unwavering dedication to WASH will continue to transform lives and inspire collective action across the globe. This March, let us celebrate Rotary Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Month by renewing our commitment to ensuring that clean water and sanitation are accessible to all. Together, we can create a healthier, more equitable world—one drop at a time. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to a future where clean water and sanitation are a reality for everyone. On a local Rotary District 5020 level clubs have demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) through various impactful projects over the years including: Remba Island WASH Project by the Lacey Rotary Path from Poverty Initiative by the Poulsbo-North Kitsap Rotary Club Vancouver Mid-Island World Service Group. As of February 2025, the Mid-Island Rotary World Community Service Group (MIG) comprises 21 Rotary clubs on Vancouver Island, ranging from South Cowichan to Port Hardy. These efforts exemplify District 5020's dedication to Rotary's mission of providing clean water and sanitation, thereby fostering healthier and more sustainable communities both locally and globally. In addition to the above, there is an economic impact as well to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.  Children, particularity girls, are less likely to miss school due to illness or time spent fetching water. Infrastructure stimulates economies by creating jobs in construction, maintenance of systems, and management of these same systems. Involvement in WASH initiatives represents a chance to be part of a transformative effort that positively affects the lives of millions while reinforcing Rotary's mission of promoting peace, fighting disease, and improving quality of life. Thank You! District 5020 Rotarians for your contribution over the years. Bill McGregor District Governor 5020 2024-2025