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 solutions that address the world's water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges
- Evaluating interventions and disseminating lessons learned
- Improving health outcomes among those most at risk for water-related disease and death
- Training future generations of water, sanitation, and global health experts and building capacity of developing country institutions
- Enabling innovative partnerships that encourage implementation, mobilize support, and influence policy
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 Approach
- Train graduate and postgraduate students to address global water and sanitation challenges
- Engage in applied research and evaluation to increase the scientific evidence base for safe water and sanitation solutions, communicate lessons learned, translate findings into public health action, and improve health outcomes
- Strengthen the capacity of in-country partners addressing local water and sanitation challenges and solutions
We implement this approach by harnessing the research, training, and health advocacy expertise of our principal partners: Emory University, CARE USA, 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 right - safe water.