Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
N'Djamena (Agenzia Fides) - Every year 1.555.200 boys and girls under 5 years of age die due to the consumption of contaminated water and the resulting diseases, such as diarrhea, malaria or respiratory infections. A young child dies every 20 seconds from preventable causes. Dirty water is the most lethal of wars. Today, the health of 748 million is in serious danger and they suffer a serious delay in their growth and do not have a dignified life.
In Countries like Chad and Ethiopia women spend an average of 5 hours a day in search of water sources and carry about 50 liters, 10 in the case of girls, crossing land where they are constantly exposed to accidents, assaults by wild animals and to abuse. The lack of clean water and poor diet together form an explosive mixture that increases dramatically mortality rates to unacceptable levels.
When people infected by simple illnesses are vulnerable, such as children under five, are malnourished, a simple diarrhea becomes a matter of life or death.
Among the various initiatives to support these people in need, the NGO Intermón Oxfam has launched a Christmas campaign with the goal of bringing drinking water to 30 million people and make them aware of the importance of bringing this kind of necessity to people who do not have access. The NGO in Chad was able to provide a well for drinking water, basic sanitation systems and a latrine at home in 15 villages. Thanks to these small rudimentary forms, childhood diarrhea has been reduced by 50%. In many Countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the NGO supplies clean water to communities, thus helping them to improve their health conditions. In cases of emergencies, such as that caused by the typhoon that hit the Philippines, Oxfam guaranteed the supply of a minimum of 15 liters of water per day per person.
Currently, to curb the spread of Ebola in Liberia and Sierra Leone, water and equipment for washing hands is being distributed. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 18/11/2014)
