Clean Water, Healthier Communities: Orant's Life-Changing Program in Malawi

Access to clean water and proper sanitation is a significant issue across Malawi. 67% of the population has access to drinking water but only 27% have access to sanitation services. Limited infrastructure, poor water quality and non-functioning water points leave millions without reliable access to safe water every day.

These challenges are not limited to just water collection. Without the necessary sanitation facilities and proper hygiene education and practices, communities face an increased risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery. Open latrines and a limited access to soap and sanitation facilities contribute to the spread of these preventable diseases.

For many, the act of getting water is time-consuming. Women often have to walk long distances to collect water which reduces any time available for education, work or any other responsibilities. Access to clean water not only improves health but allows children to spend more time with their communities and their future. 

Orant Charities addresses these challenges through its Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) program by improving access to water and sanitation. Orant has worked to install new handpumps and a water supply system to bring clean water closer to communities. Orant also works to repair existing water resources and ensure water access is there for generations to come. 

Orant also seeks to promote healthier communities through their sanitation and hygiene initiatives. Orant has installed handwashing stations, latrines and educates local communities on hygiene education as well as community WASH campaigns. By teaching and enforcing these healthy habits, the spread of preventable diseases is widely reduced. 

Clean water and sanitation are not just limited to homes. Orant works with schools to build sanitation facilities and installs menstrual hygiene stations. This creates a safer and more dignified learning environment and ensures female students have access to the products they need. This prevents girls from staying home due to menstruation and promotes education without interruption. 

One of Orant’s first piped water projects was completed in 2024 in the Dowa District. Water was able to be delivered to over 1,500 people in five villages and one school. These piped water projects ensure water is more accessible to households and reduces the distance for families to travel to collect water. 

In 2025, Orant provided 84% of basic water supply access to the Kasese catchment area as well as basic sanitation access for 83% of the area. 11 new wells were drilled, 46 major reactive repairs were made and 2,550 new people were reached. 

Beyond local and individual projects, Orant’s impact reaches a national level. Orant is a member of the Water Environmental Sanitation Network (WESNET), a partnership dedicated to improving water and sanitation services throughout Malawi. In this collaboration, Orant has contributed to national water and sanitation policies and continues to support sustainable solutions to improve public health as well as quality of life.

Clean water and sanitation are taken for granted in the US. Even in the most rural communities, families can rest assured they will have access to water and sanitation. There is a gap to bridge in Malawi. As one of the leading non-profits serving Malawi, we are equipped to build bridges: with your help. Consider partnering with us. Those in Malawi will be eternally grateful.