16/06/2026
The Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI) has called on governments, development partners, civil society organizations and the private sector to increase investments in equitable and child-responsive water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services as Africa commemorates the 2026 Day of the African Child.
This year's commemoration is being held under the theme, "Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa." The theme highlights the urgent need to address persistent inequalities in access to safe water and sanitation services that continue to affect millions of children across the continent.
Speaking in a statement issued to mark the Day of the African Child, REPSSI Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Patrick Onyango Mangen said access to WASH services is critical to the realization of children's rights and wellbeing..
“Universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene is fundamental to the realization of children's rights and wellbeing. No child should have to miss school, suffer preventable diseases, or face protection risks because they lack access to safe water and adequate sanitation facilities,” said Mangen.
Africa's population was estimated at approximately 1.5 billion people in 2024 and is projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, with children accounting for nearly one billion of the population. This rapid growth is expected to place increased pressure on essential services, including water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure.
REPSSI remains concerned that over 190 million children across ten African countries are at risk of WASH-related threats. The organization notes that children living in rural and underserved communities continue to bear the greatest burden, with many spending hours each day fetching water instead of attending school and participating in other developmental activities.
According to Mangen, inadequate WASH services not only threaten children's health but also undermine educational attainment and psychosocial wellbeing.
“When children spend long hours searching for water or are exposed to unsafe sanitation conditions, their health, education and protection are compromised. The impact is particularly severe for girls, whose dignity, safety and educational opportunities are often affected by inadequate WASH facilities,” he said.
REPSSI further highlighted that poor sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools contribute to absenteeism among girls, increasing their vulnerability to school dropout, child marriage, teenage pregnancy and poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
The organization has also warned that climate change is exacerbating water insecurity across many African countries, making investment in climate-resilient WASH systems more urgent than ever.
“Investing in WASH is investing in the health, education, protection and future of Africa's children. Sustainable and climate-resilient WASH systems are essential if we are to ensure that every child has the opportunity to survive, thrive and reach their full potential,” Mangen emphasized.
As Africa commemorates the Day of the African Child, REPSSI is calling on national governments, development partners, civil society organizations and communities to strengthen their commitment to equitable, inclusive and child-responsive WASH services.
“We call upon all stakeholders to prioritize investments that ensure no child is left behind. Every child deserves access to safe water, dignified sanitation and proper hygiene services regardless of where they live. Together, we can build a healthier, safer and more prosperous future for Africa's children,” said Mangen.
The Day of the African Child is commemorated annually on June 16 to promote children's rights and reflect on progress made in improving the welfare of children across the continent.
