Health
Water impacts areas of hygiene, nutrient and disease prevention. 829,000 people who currently die every year from diseases directly caused by unsafe water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene practices. Furthermore, 50% of child malnutrition is associated with unsafe water. Resolving the water scarcity will therefore reduce childhood malnutrition, improve poor hygiene practices and restore the health of communities overall.
Education
Girls are generally tasked with collecting water from far to reach areas and deterring them from attending school during the day. Access to safe water and sanitation removes such a challenge. In fact, reductions in time spent collecting water have been found to increase school attendance for girls.
Women Empowerment
In 8 out of 10 households in the areas with water scarcity, women and girls are responsible for water collection. Women and girls spend an estimated 200 million hours hauling water every day. This takes time away from school and play. Therefore, battling the water crisis will contribute to gender equity, in areas of education, vocation and autonomy.
Economy
Universal access to basic water and sanitation would result in $18.5 billion in economic benefits each year from avoided deaths alone. Every $1 invested in water and sanitation provides a $4 economic return from lower health costs, more productivity and fewer premature deaths.
Sustainable Solution: Water Crisis
At WIHA, our mission is to tackle the water crisis by working closely with local experts and community members. We believe in finding sustainable solutions tailored to each region where we operate. Whether it's a well, a piped system, or a water purification system, we strive to implement the best technology that meets the specific water demand and infrastructure of rural villages.
But our work doesn't stop at providing access to clean water. We go a step further by coordinating sanitation and hygiene training for the communities we serve. Additionally, we establish local Water Committees to ensure the long-term sustainability of the water projects we fund. By involving reliable local communities, government entities, and water committees, we create a collaborative effort to build and maintain a continuous supply of clean water that transforms entire communities.
At WIHA, we recognize the importance of enhancing water supply services in terms of quantity, quality, and accessibility. By assessing the locality and understanding the unique needs of each region, we can make informed decisions about the most suitable technology for water projects. Our goal is to make a lasting impact by providing clean water and improving the overall well-being of the communities we serve.
