What Oxfam is doing

From flooding in Haiti to drought in Ethiopia, water has long been central to Oxfam's work. But in recent decades, some extraordinary pressures have emerged from dams and mining.

Central to Oxfam's work

Oxfam helps negatively affected communities do the following:

  • Understand the root causes of the water problems they are facing and, if possible, protect themselves from dangers.
  • Network with other affected people so they can share coping strategies, join forces, and strengthen their abilities to bring about change.
  • Voice their concerns to governments, corporations, and individuals responsible for the development projects.
  • Educate key players about the negative impact the development projects are having on the local communities, and work together to find a solution that is safe and equitable for all.

Emergencies, droughts, and floods

Preventing the spread of disease

When emergency strikes, Oxfam's internationally acclaimed water and sanitation system helps prevent the spread of communicable diseases—the greatest killer in the first weeks after a disaster. Once the immediate danger has passed, Oxfam seeks to address the root causes of disaster so that many future crises, such as drought in Ethiopia or flooding in El Salvador, can be anticipated and mitigated.

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