Oxfam works for everyone's right to clean water and sanitation.

Hand washing and hygiene are particularly important at this time. But not everyone has the same opportunities to wash their hands and prevent the spread of deadly diseases.

In disaster areas, where people have no access to toilets, water and soap, deadly diseases can spread like wildfire. One such place is Mozambique, which a year ago was hit by the devastating Cyclone Idai that destroyed large parts of the country. Thousands of people lost their homes and still do not have access to water and soap.

Photo: Peter Caton/DEC

It doesn't matter where a disaster strikes - people living in poverty are always hit hardest, and although it's been a year since Cyclone Idai, the disaster is far from over.

Maria has been living in a tent for a year

Maria and her six children are among those still without a home, a year after devastating Cyclone Idai struck an already very vulnerable Mozambique, where many live in poverty.

Photo: Elena Heatherwick / Oxfam

In disaster areas where people are homeless and do not have access to clean water and hygiene products, diseases spread quickly. In addition, people who do not have enough food or clean water to drink are particularly vulnerable when they get sick.

With the help of our donors, we are helping people in some of the world's most vulnerable areas to stay healthy, despite having their lives turned upside down.