Context
Each year, USAID announces its list of High-Priority Countries (HPCs) for safe and resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene assistance. Aligned with the requirements in the Water for the World Act of 2014, these partner countries will be the primary focus of the U.S. government’s investments to build a more water-secure world amid ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate crisis, and conflict.
High-Priority Countries
Following a data-driven process outlined in the Act that considered lack of access to water and sanitation, along with opportunities to make significant progress in meeting these challenges, USAID has designated 22 HPCs for FY 2023 (October 1, 2022 - September 30, 2023).
*Newly designated in FY 2023
WASH NEEDS INDEX
These High-Priority Countries are identified in part by calculating a WASH Needs Index Score. Explore the WASH Needs Index and read more about the designation process in Annex B of the Global Water Strategy.
Strategic Priority Countries
Strategic Priority Countries are countries where USAID anticipates funding continued water and sanitation programs due to a combination of strategic considerations and water-related development needs. USAID has classified three strategic-priority countries and regions, given a combination of national security considerations and development needs.
*The inclusion of West Bank/Gaza as a "Strategic Priority Country" is as a geographic area in reference to USAID programming to support the Palestinian people, and is not intended to convey a position on sovereign status.
Water for The World Country Plans
As required by the Water for the World Act of 2014, USAID develops a multi-year, country-specific plan for each High-Priority Country, which describes how the USAID Mission will implement the Global Water Strategy in that country (in part through U.S. foreign assistance). These High Priority Country plans represent a coordinated approach to address water and sanitation, align with host-country priorities, and complement programs by other U.S. government departments and agencies.
Plans for newly designated and continuing high priority countries are forthcoming in 2023.
In addition to priority countries, USAID addresses water and sanitation needs and opportunities in other countries through development assistance programs aligned with the Congressional Water Directive and the Agency’s strategic objectives. See the full list of countries with USAID water activities.