As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy with a strong commitment to the health and dignity of vulnerable communities, the Vatican’s global initiative to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in Catholic health-care facilities is gaining momentum. WEFTA is proud to be a key technical partner in this effort.
Since 2020, the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development has led the pilot initiative—alongside Catholic Relief Services and the Daughters of Charity—to assess and upgrade WASH conditions in 150 Catholic health facilities across three continents. WEFTA, together with its in-country partner Sanitation and Water Action (SAWA), is playing a central role in supporting projects in Tanzania’s Mbinga Diocese, including at the health center in Mpapa.
In communities like Mpapa, where facilities previously lacked water and functioning sanitation, the results have been transformative. With technical expertise from WEFTA and strong community engagement, clean water now flows, latrines have been upgraded, and waterborne diseases have sharply declined.
“This initiative is a lifeline,” said Bishop John C. Ndimbo of Mbinga. “It is my conviction that through this effort, the Vatican believes investing in basic social services is crucial and fundamental toward holistic human redemption and development.”
To ensure these improvements are sustainable, WEFTA is implementing its Circuit Rider Program, training local technicians to monitor and maintain WASH infrastructure over the long term. This embedded, hands-on approach ensures that health-care facilities remain safe, functional, and resilient well into the future.
With Pope Leo XIV’s pastoral experience in Peru and deep connection to the poor, the Church’s leadership in global health is entering a hopeful new era. WEFTA remains committed to supporting this mission—one safe water system at a time.
Read the full article published by Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) ThinkGlobalHealth segment written by Susan K. Barnett.