AFRICA/ETHIOPIA - Drinking water to save refugees and children from death and disease

Addis Ababa (Agenzia Fides) - In Ethiopia, children under 5 years of age die in large numbers because of the dirty and contaminated water. Having access to clean and safe water can improve the health and well-being of all members of a community and give them the opportunity to start living again. For women, traditionally responsible for collecting water for their families, it would mean no longer being forced to travel to remote areas putting their lives at risk. It would mean having the time to cultivate the fields or work to support their families, while children and adolescents can focus on their studies. In this regard, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has launched an appeal to bring water to all corners of the world, build a supply system for communities, provide filters to purify water and protect the health of refugee families. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 16/05/2014)