It is baffling to see how many parts of the world are affected by water shortages. We take for granted the access to healthy water that is available to us. As safe drinking water is a basic need, it is difficult to imagine there being a lack of water or lack of access to safe water for many countries around the world.
Africa is the second driest continent in the world, after Australia, and millions of Africans still suffer from water shortages throughout the year. Fourteen countries in Africa are already experiencing water stress. Almost half of the population (778 million in 1997) suffers from one of the six major water-related diseases. Every day, 650 people die from diarrhea in Africa, mainly children under five years of age.
Key facts about children and the lack of water
1. Over three million children in the Horn of Africa are currently affected by water shortages.
2. Diarrhea diseases are responsible for filling more than half the world’s hospital beds. Each child in a developing country suffers an average of 10 attacks of diarrhea before the age of 5.
3. The average distance walked to collect water in Africa and Asia is 6km.
4. Worldwide, approximately 443 million school days are lost annually due to diarrhea disease.
5. Only half of schools in developing countries have access to water and sanitation facilities.
Access to healthy water is a global issue that affects many people throughout the world. As water is one of the most basic human needs for survival, it is essential that this issue continues to be addressed. When you see issues like this, it helps me to be more aware of the serious issues that can not only affect someones health, but also their development.
Resources:
Save the Children. (Jan. 2011). The Impact on Children of Water Shortages. Retrieved from http://images.savethechildren.it/IT/f/img_pubblicazioni/img85_b.pdf
The Water Project. (2010). Global Water Shortage: Water Scarcity & How to Help. Retrieved from http://thewaterproject.org/water_scaricity.asp
Angie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the research on the terrible epidemic of water shortages in Africa. It really helped put into persepective what we take for granted everyday. You've inspired me to look into things I can do to help conserve water in my own home.
Angie,
ReplyDeleteI believe access to clean water is one of the things that most of us take for granted. Recently a city close to mine had issues with their water system. Residents had to boil water for six days, they didn't have pressure to bath or flush toilets, and the schools had to close for three days. After that happened I really started to try to conserve water and teach my children be conscious of our water consumption.
Angie,
ReplyDeleteI knew there was a water shortage in parts of the world but I din't realize it was causing such problems. The facts you posted about diarrhea were out of this world. I didn't even know anyone could die form having diarrhea. Thank you for your research and information.