Approximately 56 percent of Madagascar’s people lack access to safely managed drinking water and only 11 percent use at least basic sanitation services. USAID’s WASH efforts in Madagascar are incorporated into its health, food security, and environment programs. Activities focus on:

• Improving local, community-based governance of water and sanitation resources
• Educating communities on how to use safe water and maintain proper waste disposal and sanitation measures
• Triggering health-seeking behavior change with the promotion of good hygiene at the community and household levels

USAID also improves access to credit for consumers and suppliers of water and sanitation services using microfinance and credit products linked to water and sanitation. Other projects are rehabilitating existing or installing new, protected water points and promoting the construction and use of family latrines.