AMREF WWD Statement: Integration of Water is Key to Achieving Africa’s Health Goals
As the world marks World Water Day, AMREF continues to advocate for integration of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in all development programmes, especially health-related interventions. This day was established by the United Nations in 1992 to focus attention on the importance of freshwater and to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. The theme this year is dedicated to cooperation around water.
From our work in communities, AMREF has learnt that extending access to safe water and basic sanitation, and improving hygiene practices, lowers the incidence of diseases related to water and improves public health, especially for women and children. Lack of clean water and poor water resource management in Africa has had a negative domino effect, resulting in widespread, multifaceted illnesses, costing millions of lives and entrenching a cycle of poverty. This is further complicated by the vagaries of climate change and the global economic crunch. The centrality of water resources to everything – from agriculture, food security and nutrition; to sanitation, hygiene and overall health; to industry, human settlement and development in general – means that WASH has to be at the core of all health intervention efforts.
Download AMREF`s complete statement here
Unheard Voices - Promoting Good Hygiene, Sanitation and Water Practices
AMREF - The Right to Sight
Stories from Africa
- Running Water and New Toilets for Primary School in Dakar
- AMREF Uganda's World Water Day Statement
- Aspiring for a Trachoma Free Generation in Kenya
- Community Boreholes: Ensuring Safe Water and Hygiene to Curb Trachoma
- Mary's Story: I have seen Trachoma Cases Dwindle
- AMREF Tanzania WASH Initiatives
AMREF is a transparent organisation distributing funds of up to $85 million per year.
