Danone Communities Advancing Health Through Water Access in Central America

Corporate news

In line with Danone’s commitment towards access to safe drinking water and to continue to impact the health of millions of people every day, Danone Communities is investing in Cova, an innovative professional maintenance service model that is key to achieving our Danone impact Journey commitments.

Rural water challenges in Central America

In Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, water is supplied to rural populations through aging piped systems—managed by local community boards— that serve as the primary source of drinking water. However, these systems often suffer from poor maintenance, frequent service interruptions, and inadequate water quality due to a lack of professional oversight.

Cova’s innovative model for sustainable water services

Cova is transforming this landscape by professionalizing rural water services. Its model upgrades existing infrastructure with chlorination systems, conducts regular water quality tests, trains and empowers local communities in charge of managing these systems, and provides long-term technical assistance. These services are delivered by trained field agents—known as circuit riders—who work in close collaboration with local health and municipal authorities to ensure sustainable operations and community trust.

Cova’s blended financing model combines community-based transactional revenues, results-based funding, and philanthropic support.

Health impact on millions through safe drinking water

By 2025, Cova aims to provide safe drinking water to around 500,000 people. By 2030, it targets reaching 3.7 million individuals across Central America. This scale-up will significantly reduce waterborne diseases and improve health outcomes by ensuring reliable access to safe water—directly at the tap.

^3.7million

people impacted by Cova by 2030

Danone Communities: Investing in Health through Hydration

Danone Communities, Danone’s impact investment fund, is proud to stand with Cova in scaling solutions that bring Danone’s mission—health through hydration—to life for the vulnerable communities.

Anchored into Danone’s mission, the fund supports impact driven start-ups which are impacting the health of vulnerable populations at scale by giving access to safe drinking water and also quality nutrition. Danone Communities impacts +15 Million people every day by supporting more than 15 businesses in 22 countries.

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