The shocking truth is that although we are now in the 21st century, 1 out of every 3 women in the world is at risk of dying from diseases caused by lack of access to clear water and safe water. In fact, a study conducted by the Seattle-based Institute of Health Metrics research center found that the diseases spread by contaminated water and filth are “the 5th biggest killer of women throughout the globe, following heart disease, stroke, lower respiratory infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and ahead of breast cancer, diabetes and even AIDs. Particularly at risk are women in developing countries where they must deliver their babies in squalid conditions without adequate medical care, which also results in high rates of infant mortality simply because there is no clean water available.
In addition, WaterAid, an international non-profit organization with water, sanitation and hygiene programs in 26 countries, found that the lack of safe toilets exposes women and girls to greater risk of sexual assault and harassment by forcing them to go outdoors to relieve themselves, particularly after dark. The same dangers also exist for those who must walk long miles each day to fetch water from wells or natural sources, which also keeps them from taking care of their children, as well as from being able to go to school.
WaterAid CEO Barbara Frost said, “This completely unacceptable situation affects women and girls’ education, their health, their dignity and ultimately, in as many as 800,000 early and needless death, “ stated WaterAid Chief Executive Officer Barbara Frost.
Founded in 1981, WaterAid has helped more than 21 million people so far gain access to clean safe water, while improving sanitation situations for more than 18 million since 2004 by working with local communities to not only set up and manage projects but educate them to make sure that these programs are sustainable. This includes helping 151,000 people in Ghana, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso access safe water, with a grant of $6.9 million donated by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation earlier this month.
Source: ED Treatment India
