Our Work /

How SHF Works

Every day, millions of people around the world have no access to safe toilets, handwashing facilities and means to manage their menstrual health safely.

Achieving universal access to sanitation, hygiene and menstrual health is achievable but the world is simply not taking enough action. At the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF) we are aiming to be transformative in our approach.

Sanitation, hygiene and menstrual health are essential to meet human rights and human needs. They can also provide value and opportunity for individuals, the economy and the environment. Knowing this value helps governments and investors to see the task of improving sanitation and hygiene as not only an opportunity for building human capital but also for accelerated economic growth and jobs.

As a dedicated UN fund, we take the best ideas from development financing and apply them to countries with the highest need, yet least ability to respond. Our approach is to first look at the needs of the country, identify social benefits in health and education and the economic costs that can be avoided by having access to sanitation and hygiene. We then identify the best way to invest our time and resources, and that of our partners, to ensure that our funding is targeted and well placed to achieve the greatest impact.

SHF drives change by working with those needing investment, and with those having funds to invest. We focus on country priorities to tackle complex issues that are limiting the sanitation economy.

Together with governments and all our partners we are passionate about leaving no-one behind.

Learn more about Our Strategy.

Meet our Board and senior leadership.