AfricaWaterBank.org

In Africa more than 500 million people are infected with one or more of 13 neglected tropical diseases – NTDs. These diseases are the most common afflictions of the world’s poorest people. They have names most people in the developed world have never heard – ascariasis, trichariasis, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filiariasis, trachoma etc. They have a terrible impact on overall African health – retard child growth and development – damage pregnant women – and often cause long-term debilitating illnesses. They disfigure, disable and are often deadly. Many of them are transmitted through contaminated soil and/or water.

A number of large pharmaceutical companies have made significant donations of new generation drugs to treat some of these diseases – whilst other organizations and drug companies continue to work on the development of vaccines for others. These donations and efforts are additional weapons in the battle against debilitating diseases.

There is no doubt that drugs are an important weapon in the treatment of these diseases – however the address of the underlying causes through the provision of clean water, sanitation and education should not be forgotten in the excitement of at last having available low cost drug treatments. Drugs usually work best when used in conjunction with other interventions.

Combining the provision of drugs with clean water, sanitation and education is the most effective way of addressing disease in Africa – but we must not forget the provision of clean water will save more lives than any other intervention.

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The African Water Bank has one primary task – the provision of clean water points to those people and communities who do not have access to a supply of clean water.

The African Water Bank prides itself on being able to perform this task efficiently and effectively. It also partners with organizations with expertise in other areas to maximize the benefits of a clean water point.

Each dollar invested in the provision of clean water generates eleven dollars of community benefit within one year. If you are interested in learning more or helping in the fight for clean water contact the Africa Water Bank.

The Africa Water Bank

Meghanlife@gmail.com

meghanmitchell@africawaterbank.org

I am in Kochar, a village in Pokot County, in the north west of Kenya – close to the Ugandan border – population 250. I am here on behalf of the African Water Bank. My plan is to accompany a group of girls and women on their daily trek to collect drinking water from a spring 10 kilometers away – the closest water point to Kochar…

Nairoshi is 9 years old. Like most Kenyan girls of her age she is wraith-like – weighing maybe 30 kilograms and standing about 155 centimeters tall barefoot. On her head she balances a yellow 20 liter water container. Empty it weighs a kilo. Filled with water it will weigh nearly 20 kilos. We set off before first light with a small group of girls and a couple of women all carrying containers. The group walks at a fast pace to keep warm – chatting and laughing incessantly – I sense at my expense. To get to the spring we climb up and down three very steep hills that have me panting by the time we top each one. We reach the spring in 2 hours.

The spring is no more than a muddy hole. The water is dirty brown and smells. It is obvious that animals have been drinking from it. Nairoshi uses a plastic cup to collect the filthy water and fill her container.

The trek back takes longer. Nairoshi carries the container on her back using a rope and cloth sling which she supports with her forehead. When I offer to help everyone laughs hysterically. Men do not carry water they cry. We arrive back at midday – we had left before six. I am exhausted and hungry – and I have not carried anything. The women and girls’ workday then begins.

There is no school for Nairoshi. Without a water point closer to her village the daily trek is her future. It is a high price for 20 liters of dirty water.

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Your Water Challenge: No More Dirty Water

A clean water point in or close to Kochar can change many things. The village can build a school and attract a teacher. Teachers in Africa will simply not go to places without a clean water point. It will free Nairoshi and the other young girls to attend school. It will dramatically improve infant mortality and the overall health of the whole community. Most infant deaths are caused by diarrheal diseases – mainly due to drinking contaminated water. A local clean water point will free people to pursue other economic activities. It will be the beginning of development for Kochar.

We estimate the cost of a clean water point for Kochar at $7,500. The community has raised 15% of this. If you are interested in supporting this water challenge contact Meghan at the Africa Water Bank

Meghan Mitchell

778.838.7821

meghanlife@gmail.com

meghanmitchell@africawaterbank.org