Access to clean water is a fundamental human right that many of us take for granted. However, in rural Zimbabwe and Sub-Saharan Africa, millions of people face the daily challenge of securing safe drinking water. This newsletter sheds light on the critical importance of clean water access in these regions and the multifaceted impact it has on communities and individuals. We aim to raise awareness and highlight our ongoing efforts to make a difference.

The Water Crisis in Zimbabwe

Due to a challenging political and economic situation, Zimbabwe’s water supply and sanitation services have deteriorated since the 1990s. Many rural communities lack access to clean water, compelling villagers to walk long distances to unsafe sources. Shockingly, 98% of those without an improved drinking water source reside in rural areas, and 42% of the rural population practices open defecation, exposing millions to waterborne diseases (WHO).

The Impact on Health

Contaminated water and inadequate sanitation lead to the transmission of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, and typhoid. Diarrhoea alone claims the lives of approximately 829,000 people annually, with 36% being children under 5. The absence of clean water results in poor hygiene practices, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases (WHO).

Unlocking Productivity: Time Management

Access to basic water sources enhances time management and productivity. A UNICEF study estimated that women in sub-Saharan Africa collectively spend 16 million hours daily collecting water. Each round-trip to fetch water takes approximately 30 minutes, often requiring multiple trips per day (UNICEF).

Education and Gender Equality

Clean water is a catalyst for education, especially for girls. Nearly 3 out of 10 schools globally lack proper water services. When clean water is provided, enrollment rates for girls increase by 15 percent, ensuring better attendance and a conducive learning environment (UNICEF).

Empowering Women

Women bear the burden of collecting 71% of water in sub-Saharan Africa. Accessible, safe water reduces their workload, leading to increased personal safety and reduced health expenses. It also contributes to reducing teenage pregnancies, school dropouts, and poor classroom performance.

Ensuring Economic Stability

Investing in water access and sanitation in rural sub-Saharan Africa yields substantial economic returns, with $1 invested generating an average of $7.3. Inadequate water supply and sanitation lead to a yearly loss of $260 billion in developing countries. The cost of delivering sustainable water management is low, at just 29 cents per person per day from 2015-2030 (UNICEF).

Our Commitment: Providing Clean Water with LifeStraw Filters

We are committed to making a difference by providing communities with LifeStraw filters. These innovative devices filter water, making it safe for consumption and reducing the risk of waterborne diseases. By distributing LifeStraw filters, we aim to improve the lives of countless individuals in Zimbabwe and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Future Initiatives: Drilling Wells

In the near future, we plan to take our commitment even further by drilling wells in communities that lack access to clean water sources. This initiative will provide a sustainable and reliable source of clean water, ensuring long-term benefits for these communities.

References

1. World Health Organization (WHO). “Drinking-water.” (2021).
2. UNICEF. “WASH in Schools Empowers Girls’ Education: Proceedings of the Menstrual Hygiene Management in Schools Virtual Conference 2013.” (2014).
3. UNICEF. “Progress on Household Drinking Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene 2000-2020: Five Years into the SDGs.” (2021).
4. World Health Organization (WHO). “Global Costs and Benefits of Drinking-Water Supply and Sanitation Interventions to Reach the MDG Target and Universal Coverage.” (2012).