Water, Sanitation and Hygiene How Clean Water and Sanitation Change Lives

Water in Africa I. Challenges I. Health and Wellbeing II. Economic Development II. How PWS&D Water Programs Work I. Wells, Boreholes and Rainwater Tanks II. Ensuring Sustainability III. Improving Health and Sanitation III. Impact of Clean Water and Sanitation

Did you Know … Although clean water is essential to life, 884 million people around the world (328 million in Sub-Saharan Africa) do not have access to it? 2.6 billion people - including almost one billion children - live without basic sanitation?

Waterborne Disease and Illness Around the world chronic water shortages and poor sanitation have a devastating toll on communities. Each year 3.4 million people die from water-related disease and illnesses such as diarrhea, cholera and scabies. These illnesses are caused by inadequate safe drinking water, a lack of proper sanitation facilities and poor hygiene practices. By investing in improved sanitation and clean drinking water, the United Nations estimates we could save 2.2 million children a year.

Prior to the construction of wells, many people collect water from nearby sources that may be unsafe.

Economic Development Inadequate access to clean water and sanitation also leads to diminished opportunities, trapping people in poverty.

Collection of Water Because water is scarce, many women and children travel long distances on foot to collect water from sources that may be contaminated.

Lost Opportunity The time spent collecting water could be used to care for children and complete household chores. Families struggling with hunger and illness would have the time and energy to better care for crops and grow more food. Men and women could focus attention on starting small businesses and other income generating activities. Women and children risk being assaulted while ‘looking for a place to go’.

Education A lack of clean water and sanitation prevent children from attending school for a number of reasons: They are suffering from a water-related disease or illness They are busy assisting with collection of water There is a lack of clean water at schools for students to drink.

How PWS&D Water Programs Work PWS&D works with partners in Malawi to provide communities with clean, safe drinking water and proper sanitation facilities.

Water Sources PWS&D works with local partners to identify areas where the need for water is greatest. Once these areas are identified, PWS&D works to improve existing water sources and build new wells, boreholes and rainwater tanks. A young girl in Tanzania collects water from a rainwater tank at her school.

Water Sources Rainwater tanks collect water from roofs so children have access to water throughout the day. Members of the community often participate in the construction of wells and boreholes.

A deep well being constructed in Sudan

Sustainability PWS&D’s clean water programs go beyond building water sources but also empower local people to meet their own water needs for the long-term. Programs focus on creating community ownership of water sources and improving hygiene and sanitation. “Thank you for giving us life in our villages,” said Llyod, a village headman in Malawi. “I promise you we will take care of these boreholes and wells because they are ours.”

Village Water Committees When a well or borehole is constructed, a village water committee is formed. Volunteers receive training about how to repair wells, manage them properly, and conserve water. This ensures there is water for today and tomorrow. Water sources are also more sustainable since they become the responsibility of the community.

Hygiene and Sanitation Communities also learn healthy hygiene practices to reduce the spread of illness. Programs teach families about the importance of washing their hands frequently and how to prevent the contamination of water sources.

Hygiene and Sanitation PWS&D works to improve sanitation facilities through the provision of latrines. Latrines with sanitation platforms and hand washing stations are installed to reduce illness.

Hygiene and Sanitation Latrines are situated away from water sources to avoid contamination. Latrines are outfitted with hand washing platforms, lids and shelters to stay clean.

How Water Changes Lives

Building a well goes deeper than you think … Water programs bring renewed life to communities struggling with water shortages and water- related disease and illness.

The results are dramatic Water and sanitation programs mean people have access to sustainable, clean sources of water and increased opportunities for the future. Clean water and proper sanitation facilities significantly reduce waterborne disease and illness. Children are healthy and able to attend school.

The results are dramatic Women spend less time collecting water and can focus their energy on income generating activities to lift their families out of poverty. Water from wells and boreholes can be used for gardens, crops and livestock to improve food security. Overall quality of life is improved.

Respondin g Together Presbyterians in Canada are responding with PWS&D to meet the global need for clean water and better sanitation.

Thank you! A village in the Shinyanga region of Tanzania expresses their thanks for the new well constructed in their village.

Thank you! Thank you for being a partner in this amazing work. Together we have the opportunity to transform communities through every water source we improve.