Water & Sanitation
Lack of Clean Water and Proper Sanitation in Developing Nations
Water and sanitation is one of the primary drivers of public health. Over a billion people in developing countries lack access to a reliable water supply and half the population of developing countries are without proper sanitation.
Water and Sanitation link to health
Contaminated drinking water contributes to disease in developing countries, such as diarrhoea, malaria, schistomsomiasis, trachoma and many more. Children are the most affected by these diseases. Access to safe water and sanitation facilities and better hygiene practice can significantly reduce morbidity.
Statistics (source: WHO)
- In 2002, 1.1 billion people lacked access to improved water sources, which represented 17% of the global population. In sub-Saharan Africa, 42% of the population is still living with out improved water.
- Only 31% of the rural inhabitants in developing countries have access to improved sanitation, as opposed 73% of urban dwellers.
- 1.8 million people die every year from diarrhoeal diseases (including cholera); 90% are children under 5, mostly in developing countries. Unsafe water supplies, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene are reportedly responsible for 88% of all diarrhoeal diseases.
- 1.3 million people die of malaria each year, 90% of whom are children under five years old.
Transformational health care through Water and Sanitation Programmes
Bringing Hope and Healing
Mercy Ships works on aspects of water, sanitation and hygiene where the health burden is high. Mercy Ships runs clean water projects and helps in the construction of latrines in safe areas to prevent contamination of the food chain and water supplies. It actively supports the principle of community involvement in health care.
Wells
Mercy Ships helps to alleviate drinking water problems by teaching local people how to dig wells and repair existing water systems in villages without access to safe water. Trainees receive basic education in how to maintain and repair wells and pumps.
Awareness & Training
Development teams work with villagers to build latrines, a basic component of a healthy community, and teach them about waterborne diseases and sanitation options. Mercy Ships seeks to establish a core group of people in each location who are able to teach and motivate others in creating and maintaining a healthy environment.