This inaugural State of Africa's Children 2026 report was produced by the African Union in collaboration with UNICEF. It has a special focus on water and sanitation and features WHO/UNICEF JMP data and analysis of WASH in households, schools and health care facilities in Africa.
This report first discusses the importance of focusing on children when delivering WASH services and the benefits that can accrue for Africa. Next, it describes the data sources and methodology used to provide evidence and analysis across the report. Chapter 3 goes into greater detail about children’s access to WASH in their schools, health care facilities and homes and progress in moving from unsafe services or open defecation to safely managed water and sanitation. It also explores the status of Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) for Africa’s adolescent girls and women. Chapter 4 assesses the key trends that impact WASH access across Africa, which should inform duty bearers in their prioritization and decision-making. The report concludes with a call to action and recommendations of targeted evidence-based actions, aligned with specific aspects of the Africa Water Vision 2063 to improve accountability, which can help African governments reach all children with WASH by 2063.
The report features regional data and analysis from the WHO/UNICEF JMP 2024 update on WASH in schools, the 2024 WASH in health care facilities and the 2025 update on WASH in households.
The latest JMP estimates are available via the interactive portal and you can also download Excel files showing the latest regional snapshots for the African Union and other regions.