In a significant move to promote global health and hygiene, The Independent has announced a partnership with WaterAid in celebration of Earth Day 2026. The publication is contributing £20,000 in advertising support to elevate WaterAid’s “Time to Deliver” campaign, which aims to ensure that every health facility worldwide has access to clean water and adequate sanitation. This initiative comes ahead of the highly anticipated UN Water Conference scheduled for December.
A Call for Clean Water in Health Facilities
WaterAid’s latest campaign highlights the dire conditions faced by expectant mothers in many parts of the world. Alarmingly, every two seconds, a woman gives birth in a facility devoid of clean water, functioning toilets, or basic hygiene supplies. This lack of essential resources is linked to an estimated 36 maternal deaths daily due to sepsis across sub-Saharan Africa. Women in these regions face a staggering 144 times higher risk of dying from the condition compared to their counterparts in the UK, Europe, or North America.
Shanette Khauala, a midwife at the Diah Clinic in Liberia, underscores the urgency of this situation. “If the patient is brought here in labour, the time it takes me to go and look for water could be critical,” she explains. “I might not be present when she needs immediate attention, which could lead to significant harm for either mother or baby.” The dire need for clean water is evident, as midwives often have to traverse to nearby ponds to source water before assisting women in labour.
The Stark Reality of Maternal Healthcare
The findings from WaterAid’s survey across ten countries paint a troubling picture: 78 per cent of maternity wards lack functioning toilets, and 66 per cent do not have access to clean water or soap for handwashing. With three-quarters of births in sub-Saharan Africa occurring under such inadequate conditions, the charity asserts that strategic investments in water and hygiene could significantly reduce maternal sepsis cases.
Chris Stevenson, The Independent’s International Editor, remarked on the importance of this collaboration, stating, “We’re proud to work with WaterAid. This contribution of advertising support is intended to bolster its campaigning and fundraising efforts.”
The Impact of Aid Budget Cuts
The Independent’s ongoing project, Rethinking Global Aid, has been closely monitoring the reductions in aid budgets worldwide, which has intensified the challenges faced by organisations like WaterAid. The UK’s overseas funding for water and sanitation initiatives has plummeted from £206.5 million in 2018 to just £80 million in 2024, with further cuts anticipated. This trend raises concerns about the future of essential services that are critical for public health.
Jennie York, Executive Director of Communications and Fundraising at WaterAid UK, emphasised the significance of 2026 as a pivotal year for water issues. “Earth Day serves as a poignant reminder that everything starts with clean water, from safe births to adapting to climate change,” she stated.
Earth Day, established on April 22, 1970, plays a crucial role in bringing environmental issues to the forefront of global discussions and promoting conservation efforts.
Why it Matters
Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, yet millions of women worldwide give birth in facilities that lack the most basic sanitation. The partnership between The Independent and WaterAid not only amplifies the urgency of this issue but also highlights the critical need for sustained investment in health infrastructure. By supporting initiatives that advocate for clean water and improved hygiene, we can work towards a future where every mother and child is afforded the dignity and safety they deserve during one of life’s most vulnerable moments.
