Immediate Relief
When emergency strikes and people are displaced, there's no greater danger than water-borne disease—and no greater need for Oxfam.
Standard of Excellence
For more than 20 years, Oxfam has set the standard for the quick and expert delivery of clean water, showers, and latrines. Consider that…
- Oxfam's water kits—pipes, pumps, taps, and tanks—can be trucked or flown in to any situation in under 48 hours.
- Oxfam's water and sanitation systems are used by the United Nations, Red Cross, and other agencies.
- Oxfam maintains an ongoing humanitarian presence in approximately 70 countries, including Sudan, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and other hotspots. This presence allows us to respond quickly when emergencies arise.
- Oxfam responds to every major refugee crisis, averaging two to four large-scale emergencies annually.
Tools of the Trade
Engineers -- Oxfam's approximately 50 international technical staff, are mechanical and civil engineers and hydrologists by trade. In emergencies, Oxfam recruits additional staff, such as the 1,800 local staff who assisted one million refugees during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide.
Tanks -- One Oxfam water tank holds and purifies 70,000 liters— enough to provide daily water for 4,666 people. These "bladders" can be flown in and set up in a matter of hours, while truckloads of water are being driven to the scene.
Buckets -- Used to distribute water, the Oxfam bucket has a built-in cap and spigot to keep water clean. The bucket also contains a standard hygiene kit with cooking utensils, detergent, and disinfectant soap.