This report on the year 2000 Water and Sanitation Sector Assessment of the WHO African Region was initiated and sponsored by the Division of Healthy Environments in Sustainable Development. Many people in the countries of the African Region supported the work of this assessment. Special note must be made of the assessment focal points in each country, plus the officials of government agencies and development organizations including the staff of WHO and UNICEF country offices that participated in country-level data collection, compilation and discussions. Mr. Firdu Zawide, WHO Regional Advisor in Water, Sanitation and Health, directed the overall project, which included data collection and preparation of the regional assessment report. Most of the data in this report was organized and compiled by Miss Lusubilo W. Mwamakamba, WHO Intern, while the graphics were prepared by Mr Honorat B. Hounkpatin, WHO Technical Officer. The report was written by Dr Dennis B. Warner, WHO consultant and former head of water supply and sanitation in WHO Headquarters.