The Center for Global Safe Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (CGSW) focuses on increasing access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, and appropriate hygiene as part of a global strategy to break the cycle of poverty and disease in developing countries.

Housed in Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health (RSPH), the CGSW combines academic strength with a commitment to evidence-based action, advocacy, and policy development.

With a strong emphasis on field-based training, focused research, capacity development, and adherence to a multidisciplinary approach, the Center is a focal point for evaluation, training and innovative solutions – marshalling resources for research, programmatic, and policy initiatives in water, sanitation, and hygiene; working with partners to ensure sustained improvements and reduce water-related illness; and training the next generation of leaders to address some of the world’s most pressing health, humanitarian and development challenges.

Our Vision

To be a global force for positive transformation in health and wellbeing through improvements in water supply, sanitation, and hygiene that are accessible to all.

Our Mission

To enable organizations and communities to provide safe, effective, and sustainable drinking water and effective and sustainable sanitation and hygiene improvements by:

• Contributing to the evidence base of scientific and practical information
• Identifying and promoting innovative approaches and partnerships that address the world’s water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges
• Evaluating interventions and disseminating lessons learned
• Training future generations of water, sanitation, and global health experts and building capacity of developing country institutions

Our Core Values

• Commitment to addressing the needs of the poorest of the poor with respect for human dignity
• Commitment to a broad range of partnerships based on equality and support
• Respect for social, cultural, and ethnic diversity
• Respect for and encouragement of the institutional and academic diversity required to address all facets of the world’s water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges
• Evidence-based approach founded on principles of scientific excellence and integrity

Our Partners

The CGSW harnesses the research, training, and health advocacy expertise of our principal partners: Emory University, CARE USA, Carter Center, Taskforce for Global Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Collaborations with other national and international organizations and agencies bring unique and complementary expertise and capabilities, positioning CGSW to be a leader in developing, evaluating, implementing, marketing, and advocating for innovative solutions for those who lack access to the most basic human rights – safe water, sanitation and hygiene.