World Health Day, observed annually on April 7th, serves as a global platform to highlight pressing health issues. In 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” emphasizing the critical importance of maternal and newborn health. This initiative seeks to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths and prioritize the long-term well-being of women and their infants.
In Haiti, the challenges surrounding maternal and newborn health are profound, with a maternal mortality rate of 529 deaths per 100,000 births—the highest in the Western Hemisphere. (www.doctorswithoutborders.org) A significant contributor to these alarming statistics is the limited access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities. Overall, approximately 45% of Haitians lack access to improved water sources, with the situation more severe in rural areas where 52% are affected. Contaminated water sources and poor sanitation can lead to waterborne diseases, which are particularly dangerous for pregnant women and newborns, increasing the risk of complications and mortality.
The Impact of Clean Water and Sanitation on Maternal Health
Access to clean water and proper sanitation is vital for ensuring safe pregnancies and deliveries. For Haitian women, these deficiencies pose significant health risks. Pregnant women exposed to contaminated water and unsanitary conditions are more susceptible to infections, which can lead to complications such as preterm births and low birth weight in newborns. Furthermore, the responsibility of fetching water often falls on women, exposing them to physical strain and potential dangers, especially during pregnancy.
HANWASH and Rotary’s Commitment to WASH in Haiti
Addressing water and sanitation issues is pivotal for improving maternal and newborn health outcomes in Haiti. The Haiti National Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Initiative (HANWASH) stands out as a collaborative effort aimed at providing sustainable WASH solutions across Haiti. Led by Rotary District 7020 in partnership with Haiti’s National Directorate for Water Supply and Sanitation (DINEPA), HANWASH has set a goal that every Haitian has access to clean water and adequate sanitation by 2030, implementing business-based best practices for public and private collaborations, to build capacity in local communities to deliver thoughtfully managed and sustainable clean water and sanitation to all the citizens of Haiti.
With a longstanding commitment to humanitarian service, Rotary is bringing together local and international partners to support and implement WASH projects in Haiti. The collaboration between Rotary clubs in Haiti and those abroad exemplifies the organisation’s dedication to creating sustainable change through collective action.
The efforts of HANWASH have significant implications for women’s health in Haiti. By improving access to clean water and sanitation, these initiatives directly contribute to reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases, thereby lowering the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Moreover, the provision of local water sources alleviates the burden on women who traditionally bear the responsibility of collecting water, allowing them more time to focus on their health and that of their families. However, improved water qualty and potable water access will improve overall health, not just for women, but for the entire population.
Moving Forward
The theme of World Health Day 2025 underscores the necessity of integrating improved water and sanitation infrastructure into maternal and newborn health strategies. The collaborative efforts of HANWASH exemplify how targeted initiatives can address the root causes of health disparities. By ensuring access to clean water and proper sanitation, we can create an environment where Haitian women and their children have healthier beginnings and more hopeful futures.
The health of mothers and babies is the foundation of healthy families and communities, helping ensure hopeful futures for us all.
Providing water for the community of Laveng
Photo provided by PDG Dr. Robert Leger
Water network in Cavaillon
Photo provided by PDG Dr. Robert Leger