The Global Sanitation Fund
Almost half of the world’s population lacks access to basic sanitation. That’s about 2.6 billion people. Over 1 billion lack access to safe drinking water. It is this lack of proper sanitation that makes this issue so important. Not being able to properly dispose of waste and have access to clean water is responsible for this humanitarian disaster.
45,000 children die daily by drinking unsafe water contaminated with raw sewage.
In total there are about 3.4 million children and adults who die annually due to this very preventable situation.
So how can we help promote health and hygiene to those in need?
We have to influence habits and behavior through education.
Education about cleanliness and latrine building would be a good start. Teaching the importance hand washing to prevent the spread of germs can greatly impact the survival rate and also provide simple dignity to those in need. Education on the importance of footwear usage to prevent parasite infection and disease transmission from filthy areas.
Women are at great risk since they usually care for the children and have to make stressful trips to dangerous out of the way public latrines.
Why are Latrines so important?
Latrines–The lack of adequate sanitation is a major reason why many existing water supplies in developing countries are so contaminated. Once introduced into a water source as a result of inadequate sanitary facilities, protozoan, bacterial and viral microorganisms can live in water supplies for very long periods of time. These microorganisms are often the primary cause of disease and sickness throughout rural areas of developing countries. Global Water routinely funds the building of latrines to create proper sanitary facilities as a complement to installing a new water supply system. In addition, we also support hygiene and sanitation education wherever we support water supply projects. These efforts (safe water, proper sanitation, hygiene education) are synergistic and go hand-in-hand to create a safe environment for rural populations. In particular, latrine facilities and hand-washing stations are constructed in the proximity of schools and other children-oriented facilities.
For more information please see below:
http://www.wsscc.org/en/media/index.htm
Almost half of the world’s population lacks access to basic sanitation. That’s about 2.6 billion people. Over 1 billion lack access to safe drinking water. It is this lack of proper sanitation that makes this issue so important. Not being able to properly dispose of waste and have access to clean water is responsible for this humanitarian disaster.
45,000 children die daily by drinking unsafe water contaminated with raw sewage.
In total there are about 3.4 million children and adults who die annually due to this very preventable situation.
So how can we help promote health and hygiene to those in need?
We have to influence habits and behavior through education.
Education about cleanliness and latrine building would be a good start. Teaching the importance hand washing to prevent the spread of germs can greatly impact the survival rate and also provide simple dignity to those in need. Education on the importance of footwear usage to prevent parasite infection and disease transmission from filthy areas.
Women are at great risk since they usually care for the children and have to make stressful trips to dangerous out of the way public latrines.
Why are Latrines so important?
Latrines–The lack of adequate sanitation is a major reason why many existing water supplies in developing countries are so contaminated. Once introduced into a water source as a result of inadequate sanitary facilities, protozoan, bacterial and viral microorganisms can live in water supplies for very long periods of time. These microorganisms are often the primary cause of disease and sickness throughout rural areas of developing countries. Global Water routinely funds the building of latrines to create proper sanitary facilities as a complement to installing a new water supply system. In addition, we also support hygiene and sanitation education wherever we support water supply projects. These efforts (safe water, proper sanitation, hygiene education) are synergistic and go hand-in-hand to create a safe environment for rural populations. In particular, latrine facilities and hand-washing stations are constructed in the proximity of schools and other children-oriented facilities.
For more information please see below:
http://www.wsscc.org/en/media/index.htm
