Waterborne diseases remain one of the most persistent public health challenges affecting millions of people worldwide, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding how these diseases spread, why they persist and what can be done to address them is essential. Learn here how to get things changed.
What waterborne diseases are and how they spread in African settings
Waterborne diseases are illnesses caused by pathogenic microorganisms that are transmitted through contaminated water. In Sub-Saharan Africa, these diseases are commonly spread when people consume unsafe drinking water, use polluted water for cooking or come into contact with contaminated sources during daily activities (washing, farming…). Diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, and certain forms of diarrhea are among the most prevalent. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) such asschistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis or Buruli ulcer are also a big part of the problem.
Common sources and underlying drivers in Africa
Poor sanitation systems allow human waste to contaminate water supplies, while limited access to hygiene facilities increases the risk of transmission, particularly in densely populated or informal settlements. The primary sources of waterborne diseases in Africa include untreated surface water, unprotected wells and aging or nonexistent water infrastructure. Rapid urbanization has outpaced the development of safe water and sanitation systems, leading many communities to rely on unsafe alternatives. Climate variability plays a role: floods can contaminate water sources, while droughts force populations to use stagnant or unsafe water.
Why waterborne diseases remain a major challenge across African regions
Waterborne diseases persist because structural challenges remain unresolved. Many countries face financial constraints that limit large-scale investment in water and sanitation systems. Rural and remote areas are particularly underserved, with long distances to safe water sources. Health systems are often overstretched, making early detection and rapid response to outbreaks difficult. In addition, political instability and conflict in some regions disrupt essential services, displace populations, and increase exposure to unsafe living conditions.
Health, social and economic consequences
The health impact of waterborne diseases is severe, especially for children under five, who face a high risk of dehydration, malnutrition and death from diarrheal illnesses. Recurrent illness undermines educational attainment, as children miss school and struggle to concentrate. For adults, poor health also reduces productivity and income, perpetuating poverty at the household and community levels. At a national scale, the economic costs associated with healthcare spending, lost labor and reduced human capital place a significant burden on already strained economies.
What is being done and what still needs improvement in Africa
Efforts are underway to address waterborne diseases —this is a significant part for Fundación Anesvad’s objectives— through improved water supply projects, sanitation programs and hygiene education initiatives. Community-led sanitation, vaccination campaigns for diseases like cholera and partnerships with international organizations have yielded measurable progress in some areas. But gaps remain, and greater investment in resilient water infrastructure, stronger regulatory frameworks, and sustained public education are still needed. Integrating water, sanitation, and health policies, alongside climate-adaptive planning, will be crucial for long-term success. That’s why your help is so important. Addressing these diseases together is not only a health imperative but also a vital step toward social equity and sustainable development across the continent. Are you with us.
