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Point-of-Collection Chlorination Scaled to 5 Million People in East Africa

Published: July 18, 2026 • Sector: Public Health & Water Quality • Author: SafeWater.wiki Health Desk

Chlorine Dispenser

KISUMU, KENYA — Safe water initiatives utilizing free point-of-collection chlorine dispensers have surpassed 5 million active beneficiaries across rural Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi, according to field monitoring reports released this week.

The system, spearheaded by Evidence Action's Dispensers for Safe Water, installs a durable 5-liter UV-protected chlorine dispenser directly adjacent to communal water points (boreholes, shallow wells, and springs). When collecting water, community members turn a precision valve that injects exactly 3 mL of dilute sodium hypochlorite into their 20-liter jerrican.

Key Public Health Findings

  • Under-5 Mortality Impact: Landmark clustered randomized controlled trials (cRCTs) published in The Lancet Global Health confirmed a ~30% reduction in all-cause mortality among children under five years old.
  • Free Residual Chlorine (FRC): The treatment maintains an active residual chlorine level (0.2–0.5 mg/L) that prevents recontamination for up to 48 hours during household storage.
  • Annual Cost: Standardized at approximately $1.50 USD per person per year, making it one of the most cost-effective global health interventions identified by GiveWell.