 |
| 80% of all illness in the world is caused by dirty drinking water. |
Water for survival
One in five of the world's people lives without safe water, and two in five lack even basic sanitation.
Yet here in New Zealand, clean water is so plentiful and easily available that we simply take it for granted.
In the world's poorest countries, ill-health from drinking dirty water is one of the most serious threats to human life. Despite great improvements, diseases caused by unclean water and inadequate sanitation claim the lives of over one million children each year. Most cases can be prevented or treated.
Safe water for life
 |
| You can save lives like Gande’s by helping villages in Papua New Guinea access safe and clean water. |
Save lives like Gande’s today.
It’s a dilemma no mother should have to face: risk her children’s health using dirty water or have no water at all. Gande’s mother, Bebi Samuel, faces this dilemma on a daily basis.
Gande and her family get less than one per cent of the water the average New Zealander uses daily. The water Bebi collects is dirty and causes illness in her family.
Because water is in such short supply, there isn’t always enough for washing and cleaning. Clothes, bedding and food rarely get washed – worsening the family’s health.
You can save lives like Gande’s by helping villages in Papua New Guinea access safe and clean water.
- Donate now to the Oxfam Water Appeal
- Or call 0800 400 666
- Read more about saving lives in Papua New Guinea with clean water and sanitation
Watch Bebi's story
Oxfam Water Challenge
Unfortunately we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Oxfam Water Challenge 2012. Financial times are tough and the events industry in New Zealand is feeling the pinch. The Oxfam Water Challenge is no exception.
Oxfam Water Challenge was a relay style race for teams from the New Zealand water sector. It celebrated World Water Day and raised vital funds for Oxfam's Water for Survival work, helping some of the poorest communities in the Pacific to access life-saving clean water and sanitation.
In 2011 the event doubled in size from 2010 and raised $70,000 for Oxfam's Water for Surivial work. We had over 50 teams competing, in challenges in Auckland, Wellington and Bay of Plenty. Thank you so much to all our supporters, participants and sponsors.
- Find out what happened at Oxfam Water Challenge 2011
- Find out what happened at Oxfam Water Challenge 2010
Water for Survival Programme
In 2003, Water for Survival joined with Oxfam New Zealand to form the Oxfam Water for Survival Programme (OWfS). Since then, OWfS has partnered with local organisations throughout Southeast Asia, the Pacific and Africa to support access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education programmes for people in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.
Currently, Oxfam is supporting long-term projects in:
Sustainable solutions
Often the solution to providing safe drinking water is not complicated – the engineering requires just some know-how, a few materials and a bit of hard work. Find out how we're using sustainable solutions to give people access to clean and safe water.
You can support the Oxfam Water for Survival Programme.
- Donate online now
- or call 0800 400 666
Splash out on a lifesaving gift
By buying a gift from Oxfam Unwrapped you can help support our water work in Vanuatu, Bougainville and Paua New Guinea. You can provide safe water for 25, 50 or 100 people with Oxfam Unwrapped's gifts with a difference.
 Oxfam Coffee Break More than 2000 coffee breaks to be held this Fair Trade Fortnight, May 5-20. |
 West Africa food crisis In 2012, countries across the Sahel are again facing a serious food crisis. Oxfam is there but we need your help. |
 No arms for atrocities The world needs an effective Arms Trade Treaty. Take action and sign our petition calling for a safer world. |
 Voices from Vanuatu Arvie and Thomas are helping young Ni Vanuatu learn lifelong skills. Read their stories. |