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5 Charities Operating in Libya 

Charities Operating in Libya
Libya has been embroiled in conflict for more than a decade, leaving millions of its citizens in poverty. The ongoing violence has crippled the economy, with limited access to essential services like food, clean water and health care. The World Bank estimates that more than 1.3 million Libyans live in poverty, struggling to meet basic needs, as of 2017. Economic instability, food shortages and inflation have worsened living conditions for those already vulnerable. Many families rely on humanitarian aid for survival, while education and job opportunities remain scarce, particularly in rural areas. Poverty in Libya is not just a lack of resources but a consequence of enduring instability and the breakdown of social and economic systems. In response, several charities are operating in Libya to alleviate poverty and create long-term solutions.

Organizations like the Libyan Red Crescent and WeWorld-GVC focus on providing immediate relief through food, medical assistance and shelter, while also investing in sustainable development projects. These efforts aim to rebuild infrastructure, improve access to clean water and health care and offer educational opportunities. By addressing both immediate and underlying issues, these organizations are working to uplift communities and restore hope for a stable future. Here are five charities operating in Libya.

Libyan Red Crescent

The Libyan Red Crescent (LRC) provides essential health care, emergency relief and psychosocial support throughout Libya. The LRC has been instrumental in responding to natural disasters such as floods and droughts, providing clean water and sanitation services to prevent disease outbreaks like cholera, benefiting many Libyans.

LRC’s collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) amplified their efforts. This partnership has allowed for broader outreach through health and hygiene awareness campaigns, particularly aimed at reducing waterborne diseases. These efforts ensure that Libyans receive the support they need to survive during times of conflict and crisis.

WeWorld-GVC

WeWorld-GVC (WW-GVC) is focusing on addressing Libya’s crumbling water infrastructure. The civil war has damaged much of the water supply, leaving many without access to clean drinking water. WW-GVC has repaired and restored water treatment plants and wells, providing safe water to more than 60,000 Libyans. This effort has drastically reduced the spread of diseases that contaminated water causes, such as cholera and dysentery.

In addition to physical infrastructure, WW-GVC is educating communities on hygiene practices. Its hygiene awareness programs have reached more than 20,000 Libyans, providing essential knowledge that has contributed to better public health. Its work ensures that vulnerable populations in conflict zones receive life-saving resources.

Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has been at the forefront of medical aid in Libya, particularly for refugees and migrants in detention centers and conflict zones. MSF provides mobile medical clinics, which offer essential health care, including maternal services and treatment for chronic diseases.

MSF has been crucial in providing medical aid to those who are most vulnerable, especially refugees living in detention centers, where medical services are nearly non-existent. Its mental health services also help individuals cope with the long-term psychological effects of conflict and displacement.

Tawergha Foundation

The Tawergha Foundation focuses on helping displaced families from the Tawergha minority, many of whom were forced to flee during the civil war. Tawergha Foundation promotes employment and educational services to these families, providing financial support and training. The organization has also helped shine a light on the plight of the Tawergha people through activism and awareness campaigns.

Tawergha Foundation’s main goal is the resettlement of the Tawergha people, as well as this however, they are focusing on long-term development. The organization works with local authorities and international companies such as Microsoft and Samsung to secure resources, infrastructure and skills helping displaced Libyans begin rebuilding their lives.

The National Democratic Institution

The National Democratic Institution (NDI) is working to equip the nation’s youth with the skills necessary to contribute to Libya’s recovery. Through programs focused on promoting peace through art, advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, supporting environmental protection and combating bullying in schools, NDI has reached many young Libyans. These initiatives aim to develop leadership and community-building skills that will be essential in rebuilding Libya’s infrastructure and promoting peace.

NDI’’s focus on youth empowerment serves as a crucial investment in Libya’s future. By offering projects aimed to empower young people to make a positive impact on their communities, the organization is ensuring that young Libyans prepare to lead the country toward stability and prosperity.

Conclusion

The ongoing conflict in Libya causes immense suffering, but the charities operating in Libya like the Libyan Red Crescent, WeWorld-GVC, Doctors Without Borders, the Tawergha Community Association and the Libya Youth Forum are bringing hope to millions. Through efforts in health care, clean water access, education and support for displaced families, these organizations are making a meaningful impact. Their work helps address Libya’s immediate needs while laying the foundations for long-term recovery and stability.

– Harriet Conway

Harriet is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Water and Sanitation in Indonesia

water and sanitation in indonesiaIndonesia is renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture and warm hospitality, which draws millions of visitors annually. However, beyond its scenic allure lies a pressing challenge: inadequate access to clean water and sanitation. This issue severely impacts public health and disproportionately affects impoverished communities, where limited resources hinder access to essential health care services. Tackling this crisis is critical to breaking Indonesia’s cycle of poverty and fostering sustainable development.

Poverty and Indonesia’s Water and Sanitation Crisis

In Indonesia, where 9.4% of the population lives below the poverty line, approximately 192 million people lack access to safe water and 14 million do not have access to safe toilets. UNICEF report reveals that nearly 25 million Indonesians practice open defecation and 89% of water sources are contaminated by faecal bacteria. Shockingly, only 7% of wastewater is treated.

This improper disposal and untreated sewage worsen water pollution, leading to unsafe water consumption. Exacerbated by poverty, these factors create a breeding ground for waterborne diseases like diarrhoea and cholera. For children, unsafe water and poor sanitation lead to chronic illnesses and stunt growth. Regarding this, 21 out of every 1,000 children in Indonesia die before their fifth birthday, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The water and sanitation crisis in Indonesia is not only a public health issue but also an environmental one. Improper waste disposal leads to severe pollution of rivers and lakes, many of which serve as primary water sources for local communities. Regarding this, four of Indonesia’s rivers, Brantas, Ciliwung, Citarum and Progo, rank among the 20 most polluted rivers in the world. This widespread pollution undermines biodiversity and poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity, further exacerbating the challenges faced by local communities.

International Help

Addressing these issues requires investment in infrastructure such as wastewater treatment facilities and clean water distribution systems. Several NGOs are working to address the root causes of poor sanitation and improve access to clean water in Indonesia.

Since 2014, Water.org has empowered more than 5.1 million Indonesians access to safe water and sanitation through innovative partnerships and financing solutions, according to its website. Its WaterCredit initiative collaborates with local financial institutions and community organizations to expand water and sanitation infrastructure. Water.org also strengthens local water utilities, offering technical assistance and cost-efficient solutions to expand sustainable services. These initiatives not only improve health and hygiene but also support Indonesia’s broader economic and developmental goals.

Indonesia and the UAE have partnered to address the pollution in Indonesia rivers, formalizing the agreement through Clean Rivers and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Over the next three years, the initiative aims to clean up 5,000 tons of waste from five river areas, this project aims to prevent waste leaks into the ocean and promote sustainable water management practices. It also supports Indonesia’s goals to reduce marine waste by 70% by 2025 through collaboration with local governments and environmental organizations.

Additionally, the U.N. has facilitated $1.7 billion in financing for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Goal 6, which ensures access to clean water and sanitation in Indonesia. This support plays a crucial role in advancing water and sanitation efforts across the country.

A Call to Action

Addressing water and sanitation in Indonesia is not just a public health issue, it is a path to breaking the cycle of poverty and unlocking the country’s full potential. Expanding wastewater treatment facilities, improving access to clean water and addressing open defecation are critical steps.

“We must ensure the U.N.’s collaboration with Indonesia continually promotes responsive and resilient policies and initiatives in the face of global crises,” says Suharso Monoarfa, Minister of National Development Planning and Head of Bappenas. Therefore, supporting organizations that improve water quality and sanitation infrastructure in Indonesia can ensure a healthier and safer future for its people.

– Nour Mostafa

Nour is based in Gloucester, UK and focuses on Good Newsand Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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SNV’S WASH Program: Improving Water Access

SNV'S WASH ProgramAccording to the U.N., fortunately, from 2015 to 2022, the population using safely managed drinking, sanitation and hygiene services water increased from 69% to 73%. However, in 2022, 2.2 billion and 3.5 billion people lacked safely managed drinking and sanitation water, respectively. Worldwide, 140 countries report that 42% of their household do not receive safe water treatment. This has made little progress toward the goal of providing safe water for half of the population in 2030.

SNV’s WASH Program Brief

SNV Netherlands Development Organization is a global developmental partner that works with government and private sectors in more than 20 African and Asian countries to improve basic living conditions in three criteria: water, agri-food and energy. In 2023, SNV has improved the lives of 6.4 million people through system upgrading, income increment, outcome management and widespread inclusion of basic services.

SNV’s inspiration comes from pursuing SDGs objectives. In response to the water question, SNV has improved the water security for 1.6 million in 18 countries, with 562,000 people gaining access to water for the first time, according to the 2023 SNV Annual Report. SNV frames its work around three determining topics: systems transformation, changing weather patterns and social equity.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) is SNV’s main water developmental program. SNV’s WASH Program defines successful water security as safe water usage, lower water pollution, protection from water hazards and safe water resources, according to the 2023 annual report. To achieve its objective, SNV works with all levels of government facilities and civil societies to provide impactful systemic changes in water infrastructure. At the household level, SNV provides open-access educational programs and publications, promoting thoughtful and safe water management.

SNV’s WASH Program in Mozambique

From 2017 to 2019, SNV’s WASH Program provided sanitation for 68,000 people in Mozambique. In those two years, 14 percentage points more households gained access to an improved toilet. In terms of WASH’s educational effort, 40,000 people have practiced washing their hands after defecation.

However, due to Cyclone Kenneth’s impact, the program sees a 21% decrease in hygienic toilet maintenance. The percentage of the population without access to handwashing facilities went from 62% to 75%. This led to a 14% increase in out-of-usage toilets and, eventually, a 5% increase in open defecation, according to the 2020 brief.

The Most Recent WASH Project

Transforming Access to WASH and Nutrition Services II (T-WASH II) is a project launched by SNV and funded by the U.K. government aid organizations. The project has a budget of £55,821,502 nationwide to date. T-WASH II aims to improve national, provincial and municipal stakeholders’ knowledge and relationships. The project brings positive change from community involvement and women-in-decision-making positions. The lasting outcome is its learning opportunities for stakeholders and local communities.

Looking Ahead

Despite increasing weather challenges, SNV’s WASH Program sees positive change. SNV will continue to adapt its WASH system to align with the changing demands of the local communities and the challenges that changing weather patterns may bring. SNV’s WASH Program is in full force with the necessary funding to do its part in achieving UN SDGs 6.

– Jimmy Nguyen

Jimmy is based in Savannah, Georgia, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Everybody Water Helps Women Achieve Their Dream

Everybody WaterAccess to clean water is a basic necessity many of us take for granted. Yet, this is a harsh reality for more than a fourth of the population. While the lack of clean drinking water affects both genders, the women often bear the burden of trekking long distances to fetch water. They collectively spend around 200 million hours a day on this task. However, the provision of clean water has the potential to transform lives, offering hope and optimism for a better future.

Additionally, a lack of clean water can cause water-related illnesses and promote poor sanitation. These issues prevent children from having the resources and ability to attend school and receive an education. In some countries, such as Malawi, UNICEF reported that on average, women spend 54 minutes collecting water, and men spend six minutes. The journey to collect water can often be dangerous or long, especially in intense heat or cold. On top of cooking, cleaning, and caring for children, collecting water is just another job that takes away from the education of young girls. With access to clean water, typical duties placed on girls are made much more accessible, allowing more time for school and independent endeavors.

Founders Story

Megan Hayes and Kimberly Reilly, two women who desire to contribute something through their passion project, founded Everybody Water. The two women are good friends and neighbors who have become business partners. While the organization started its charity work within the community, the company’s efforts quickly expanded past that. When asked why they started the charity, both women expressed their strong desire to have a social impact past their entrepreneurial goals.

Not only does the organization provide clean water, but it also empowers girls and women to pursue education. Reilly says, “Do not underestimate how big of an impact you can have – think big.” Hayes mentions, “Find a way to have giving back be a part of your work, it feels good when you can help others.”

Helping Women in Honduras

Everybody Water contributes 3% of its annual gross revenue to fund clean water and sanitation infrastructure projects, providing homes with running water, sinks, showers and toilets. Its first initiative was in Honduras, where it implemented a 10-mile pipe to run into the village and supply water to people. One woman says, “I had 14 children, raised them with only a gourd on my head. I have been to the water hole every day since I was born, until today.”

Additionally, Reilly speaks about the community’s contribution to the project. Everybody Water helps plan and build the water sources, providing jobs for the men in the village. Furthermore, they are not only providing a water source but also giving hope to these communities. One villager speaks about how, before the water source, there was no school or kindergarten. Now, she says, everything looks different. It is a new environment.

The organization’s impact inspires many and motivates entrepreneurs, showing that it is possible to achieve goals while also giving back. Reilly and Hayes’s social impact in these countries will make a considerable difference in improving the education opportunities and independence of young girls living in these villages.

– Sofia Hattiangadi

Sofia is based in New York City, NY, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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International Innovation: The Eradication of Water Poverty

International Innovation: The Eradication of Water PovertyWater is essential for all life on Earth. According to the United Nations (U.N.), 2.2 billion people worldwide live without access to safe drinking water. This challenge has persisted throughout human history, but the end of water poverty may be on the horizon.

Access to Clean Water

Innovative technology has solved numerous challenges, including providing drinkable water for many in the developed world. However, these innovations have not been evenly distributed, leaving many in the developing world to contend with dirty water as a health concern.

The United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) department reports that 5.4 billion people lack access to well-managed water sanitation services or infrastructure. The department highlights the potential of cutting-edge technology to aid in the fight against water poverty significantly.

Harnessing New Technologies

AI and the Internet of Things, a network of interconnected objects that communicate through sensors and signals, aid in enhancing water supply infrastructure. Along with these advances, other readily deployable technologies increase the amount of usable water available to people. For instance, the Ecoloo is a portable toilet that reduces the water required for flushing and treats the water to make it suitable for agricultural use.

The Moroccan Fog Catchers and other Innovations

A simple yet effective innovation, the Moroccan Fog Catchers, allows people to collect clean, usable water with minimal expertise. This invention consists of large sheets of netted material that capture fog and dew in mountainous areas. For years, rural communities have used these devices to collect fresh water for drinking, washing and agriculture.

Swiss Fresh Water, a new start-up company, is also making significant strides in addressing water scarcity with innovative, sustainable technology. Its systems convert brackish and sea water into drinkable water, powered by renewable energy sources like solar panels. This approach not only provides fresh water to communities in need but also reduces environmental impact. Early results are promising, with installations in several remote areas demonstrating both the effectiveness and reliability of the technology in diverse conditions. Currently, the initiative provides more than 35,000 people access to drinking water.

The Canadian charity Fog Quest is another initiative that is actively building and maintaining fog collectors to support local populations.

Global Partnerships

The UNCTAD emphasizes the importance of global partnerships, stating, “Global partnerships are crucial not only to support access to Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) but also to enhance knowledge-sharing that fosters the scaling up of good practices domestically and internationally.” This call to action was underscored at the 26th annual UNCTAD conference, where nations worldwide proposed innovative solutions to the pervasive water crisis. The proposed solutions at the 2023 UNCTAD conference exemplify how such teamwork can pave the way to eradicating water poverty in the future.

Looking Forward

The commitment to harnessing new technologies and strengthening global partnerships heralds a promising future in the battle against water poverty. Innovations like AI and the Internet of Things are poised to unlock new sources and improve water management. As more communities gain access to tools like the Moroccan Fog Catchers, the ability to secure clean water could become more attainable for all.

– Charles McFadden

Charles is based in Glasgow, Scotland and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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The Impact of Inadequate WASH Conditions on Poverty

Inadequate WASH ConditionsIn the complex network known as global health, one silent crisis stands out as a major threat to vulnerable populations: poor water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). This issue continues to have a lasting negative impact on the general well-being of populations in low and middle-income communities, highlighting a strong correlation between inadequate WASH conditions and the prevalence of poverty. Within the field of public health, access to clean water is not only a crucial aspect regarding well-being, but also a fundamental human right.

The Public Health Crisis

A number of factors known as the social determinants of health influence the well-being of a community; these factors include socioeconomic status, environment conditions, access to health care, education and cultural factors. Each of these components play a significant role in the health of a community, and it is important to take them into consideration when dealing with critical issues like inadequate WASH conditions.

Socioeconomic status, such as race and income, play a huge role in the access to clean water. Unfortunately, although clean water is a basic human right, it continues to be a major issue particularly in low income communities. In these areas, lack of access to clean water is responsible for a significant percentage of deaths, particularly among children under the age of five.

The Link Between Clean Water and Health

About 2 million people around the world lack access to clean drinking water, while 3.6 billion people lack access to proper sanitation, and 2.3 lacking basic hygiene services. Germs, parasites or harmful chemicals, which may come from a variety of sources, including human or animal waste, chemicals and other substances, may contaminate unsafe water. Poor access to clean water has a close correlation to the spread of illnesses such as cholera, typhoid and polio. Contaminated water is responsible for more than 500,000 deaths annually in low income communities, with 300,000 of fatalities being children under 5. In regions with insufficient WASH conditions, it is important to understand that this crisis has a huge impact on their well-being and overall quality of life.

A nation that faces severe challenges related to WASH conditions is Pakistan, making it among the most affected nations in the world. Although Pakistan has 79% water supply coverage, water quality remains a major problem, causing extreme health dangers such as fecal contamination. Drinking water quality has typically gotten less attention in Pakistan, with inadequate organizational structures, as well as a lack of legislation and regulations addressing water quality issues. According to a community health study, low-quality drinking water causes 40% of deaths and 50% of diseases in Pakistan.

Solutions

Although there is no overnight solution to this crisis, there are policies and interventions that can be implemented to aid in mitigating it. Implementing measures that involve providing stable sanitation and clean drinking water, as well as adopting basic hygiene practices can potentially save the lives of 1.4 million people worldwide. For example, in Pakistan, some policies are in place to mitigate these issues. For instance, schools in Pakistan have implemented school-specific WASH policies aimed at achieving a variety of goals, including raising awareness, providing suitable sanitation centers and ensuring adequate drinking water access. Furthermore, UNICEF and its partners are actively involved in the implementation of policies designed to mitigate the negative consequences of inadequate WASH conditions.

This crisis demands attention and resources that will aid in breaking the cycle of poverty and poor health. The silent crisis of inadequate water access requires global attention, resources and consistent efforts in order to break the cycle. Join the movement for global change by advocating for the advancement of WASH conditions in lower income communities, by raising awareness, supporting organizations working towards this cause and urging policymakers to take this issue into consideration. Together, everyone can make a difference in improving lives and ensuring a better future for all.

– Retaj Kamal Elghanai
Photo: Flickr

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5 Innovative Solutions for Global Water and Sanitation Crises

Innovative SolutionsAccording to the United Nations (UN), more than 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water and nearly half of the world’s population (3.5 billion) do not have access to safe sanitation. Therefore, striving for universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation practices will not only reduce the number of deaths due to waterborne illness, but it will also help to reduce the global disease burden by 10%. Several unconventional and innovative solutions are currently underway to address global water and sanitation crises.

1. Lifestraw

This product enables the conversion of any contaminated water source into clean, safe drinking water. The small, portable filtration device removes about 99% of contaminants, such as bacteria, parasites, chemicals, microplastics and pesticides.

For every 500 LifeStraw products that consumers buy, LifeStraw donates a LifeStraw Community Purifier to a school in need, ensuring safe drinking water for 100 kids for five years. By the end of 2022, the innovative solution had provided safe water to more than 7 million kids and 2,500 schools.

2. Peepoo Bag

The Peepoo bag is a portable, self-sanitizing and biodegradable toilet. It comprises a thin film for people to use in the absence of clean facilities. The bag includes a layer of urea that helps sanitize and break down human waste into fertilizer that individuals can then use for up to a month.

Previous studies of the Peepoo bag in Bangladesh and Kenya found the product to be especially useful to women and children due to its usefulness in situations when it was difficult to leave the house. Mothers with access to the bag also report their children were sick less often. Almost 90% of users in the study said the bag was better than their normal sanitation practices.

3. Bottle Bright

Bottle Bright, the company, offers all-natural, biodegradable cleaning tablets designed for thorough cleaning of drinking containers. These tablets use effervescent technology, enabling foaming and dissolving in water without the need for chlorine or harsh chemicals.

With each Bottle Bright package sale, the company commits to donating an equal amount of tablets to people in developing countries facing challenges in transporting water and maintaining cleanliness. Bottle Bright has distributed more than 60,000 tablets to developing communities to date.

4. Waterstep Bleachmaker

The BleachMaker utilizes electrolysis to purify large quantities of drinking water quickly, producing chlorine through the combination of salt, water and electricity to effectively eliminate harmful bacteria. The portable device can produce up to five liters of bleach every hour, providing quantities that can be used for water disinfection and medical sanitation.

In 2022, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Governments of Japan and Malawi worked together to install BleachMakers in 46 hospitals and health facilities across Malawi, empowering “public institutions to locally produce chlorine bleach more cheaply within the convenience of their facilities’ budgets.”

5. Everly

Through the creation of flavored drink mixes with clean ingredients and crucial electrolytes, Everly demonstrates a commitment to ending dehydration and waterborne diseases. For every pouch of Everly drink mix sold, the company donates a pouch of rehydration salts to ColaLife, a nonprofit committed to improving access to essential medicines and health products in developing countries. 

ColaLife gained attention for its innovative approach to utilizing the existing networks of companies like Coca-Cola to distribute health products. Specifically, they focus on oral rehydration salts and zinc supplements, which are vital in treating dehydration caused by diarrhea, a leading cause of child mortality in many developing regions.

Through Everly’s commitment to partnering with ColaLife, more than 1.5 million packets of rehydration salts have been donated to help mothers and their children in countries like Zambia gain access to life-saving nutrients.

The Importance of These Innovative Solutions

These innovative solutions for global water and sanitation crises are advantageous in that they are non-infrastructure solutions, meaning they can be implemented to help people in developing areas without political support or pushback.

While implementing policy and investments that safeguard necessary human health needs is the key to long-lasting progress in developing communities, these technological innovations are evidence of convenient, immediate opportunities for positive change. 

– Bella Simokaitis
Photo: Flickr

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Clean Water Pills Combat Contaminated Water in Developing Countries

Clean Water PillsClean water pills have emerged as a simple solution for disinfecting contaminated water in developing countries. These innovative solutions are providing communities with a rapid and straightforward method to transform contaminated water sources into safe, potable water.

The Birth of the Clean Water Pill

The World Health Organization reports that at least 1.7 billion people drink water contaminated with feces, leading to numerous health issues, including waterborne diseases like cholera, dysentery and typhoid. With the aim of tackling this pressing issue, several organizations have embarked on missions to devise simple and cost-effective solutions.

AquaTabs, founded in 1984 in Wexford, Ireland, developed water purification tablets that have been distributed in over 100 countries. When added to water, these tablets release chlorine, effectively killing most of the harmful microorganisms present. 

While AquaTabs sells over 1 billion tablets every year, many of these tablets are purchased by aid agencies and similar groups to bring to communities or relief efforts. For instance, during the response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, numerous aid organizations such as GlobalMedic, utilized AquaTabs and similar companies to provide clean drinking water to affected communities.

How Clean Water Pills Work

When the tablet is dropped into contaminated water, it dissolves quickly and goes to work immediately. Chlorine, the active ingredient, targets and neutralizes harmful pathogens, making the water safe for consumption. Chlorine tablets serve as a powerful defense mechanism for water sanitation by eliminating harmful contaminants. They guarantee potable water fit for consumption. 

Beyond rendering drinking water safe, these tablets are essential in the sanitization of fruits and vegetables. Chlorination, the process through which they work, is a universally well-recognized method of water treatment. In regions that are economically struggling, these tablets represent an efficient and cost-effective approach to ensuring water safety.

Organizations Leading the Charge

  • Ef-Chlor – Founded in 1977, in India, Ef-Chlor has been a significant player in the water purification industry. They produce water purification tablets that are widely used in emergency situations, disaster relief and by individuals in areas where clean water is scarce. Ef-Chlor’s tablets are not only used for drinking water but also for disinfecting fruits and vegetables, making them a versatile solution in areas with limited access to clean water resources. Their commitment to providing an affordable and efficient water purification method has made them a preferred choice for many humanitarian aid organizations worldwide.
  • PureMadi – PureMadi, a nonprofit organization founded in 2011 at the University of Virginia, introduced the MadiDrop, a ceramic tablet infused with silver or copper nanoparticles. Developed with a vision to provide affordable water purification solutions, the MadiDrop releases silver or copper ions when placed in a household water storage container, disinfecting the water. PureMadi collaborates with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local communities, ensuring that the MadiDrop reaches those in need, especially in regions with limited access to clean water.

The Impact and The Way Forward

The introduction of clean water pills has not only addressed the issue of polluted water but has also significantly reduced the incidence of waterborne diseases in communities where they’ve been introduced. As the world continues to face environmental and infrastructural challenges, simple and effective solutions like the clean water pill will be essential in ensuring safe drinking water for all.

– Laeticia Mbangue
Photo: Flickr

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How Tanzania is improving Water Sanitation

Water Sanitation
Tanzania, situated on the coast of the Indian Ocean in Sub-Saharan Africa, is home to a growing population of more than 68 million people. As of 2019, almost 24 million of its people lacked access to safe drinking water, while a staggering 43 million did not have proper sanitation. Unfortunately, the absence of clean water and sanitation facilities increases the risk of diseases, which can particularly affect the health and well-being of children. Nevertheless, the Tanzanian government, in collaboration with aid organizations, is actively striving to enhance its water and sanitation infrastructure.

Clean Water Access 

Access to clean water is a crucial aspect of reducing global poverty and improving people’s lives. In Tanzania, the government has teamed up with various organizations to enhance water quality. The Tanzanian government partnered with Water.org to introduce the Water Credit system. Through this collaboration, Equity Bank is facilitating the process by providing small loans for households in need of clean water and larger loans for water and sanitation companies. This initiative aims to make safe water more accessible to underserved communities.

Tanzania has received direct aid from the World Bank, with a $300 million International Development Association credit for the Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Program (SRWSSP). This funding will facilitate the expansion of the SRWSSP to 137 districts around Tanzania. It will also be the building block for 206 new water schemes, all created to achieve drinking water for all Tanzanians. The World Bank’s work with the Tanzanian government can help up to 10 million citizens with improved water supply.

Hygiene and Sanitation

Another important tenet of WASH is hygiene and sanitation. UNICEF has partnered strategically with the Tanzanian government to transform and develop strategic WASH areas (sanitation, water and hygiene). Through a community-led sanitation approach, it seeks to ensure improved sanitation in rural and local communities. Hygiene lessons like instilling the importance of washing hands with soap can reduce bad-hygiene-related diseases by 47%. UNICEF also aids in providing WASH facilities in health and educational institutions and focuses on equitable access to these provisions for disadvantaged children, girls and women. 

USAID’s Water Resources Integration Development Initiative (WARIDI) has been designing better infrastructure for WASH  initiatives at various primary and secondary schools. This is particularly important as 40% of diarrhea cases in children get transmitted in schools. The provisions include providing separate toilets for boys and girls and easy access to sanitation facilities for students with disabilities.

The Tanzanian government has also implemented Vision 2025, which has plans to improve access to proper sanitation facilities by 95% by 2025. A secondary five-year plan is set to improve sanitation in rural areas by 85%. Massive undertakings such as these are pivotal steps to improving hygiene throughout Tanzania.

Looking Ahead

Overall, Tanzania’s efforts to enhance water and sanitation infrastructure are paving the way for a brighter future. Collaborations with organizations like Water.org and the support of the World Bank are expanding access to clean water, benefitting millions of Tanzanians. Initiatives promoting hygiene and sanitation, driven by UNICEF and USAID, are creating healthier environments, especially in schools, and helping to reduce the spread of diseases. With ambitious plans like Vision 2025, Tanzania is making significant strides toward improving the lives and well-being of its people.

– Atheeth Ravikrishnan
Photo: Flickr

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Water Security in Indonesia: USAID’s Latest Plan

Water Security in Indonesia
On July 21, 2023, USAID announced its Indonesia Global Water Strategy High-Priority Country Plan, containing a new $50 million investment towards improving water security in Indonesia. 

This new funding will go towards the cooperative work of the governments of the U.S. and Indonesia with the aim of providing more than 1 million Indonesians access to safe drinking water and sanitation by 2027.

Unsafe Water in Indonesia

While unsafe water supplies affect people from a range of socio-economic backgrounds in Indonesia, those living in poverty suffer the most: 62% of the poorest Indonesians live on water that is not safe to drink.

Drinking from unclean water sources can lead to diarrheal diseases. This is a significant problem among young children in Indonesia, where one-quarter of all children under 5 suffer from diarrhea, and the main cause of child mortality throughout the country is diarrhea. 

These are the unfortunate effects of poor water sanitation. For this reason, the U.N. made safe sanitation management a priority in the development of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015. SDG 6 is dedicated to ensuring “availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all,” and is explicitly tied to UNICEF’s global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) campaigns.

USAID and WASH

USAID’s new and ongoing work on water security in Indonesia forms part of the global WASH efforts. At the launch of the Indonesia Global Water Strategy High-Priority Country Plan during a meeting with the Regional Secretary of South Sulawesi, Andi Darmawan Bintang, USAID Assistant Administrator Michael Schiffer also announced the Indonesia Urban Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Market (IUWASH Pasar).

IUWASH Pasar is a five-year investment of $10 million, which aims to support the efforts of USAID’s existing water security strategy in Indonesia, the IUWASH Tangguh program. IUWASH Tangguh, launched in 2021, has the aim to help at least 1.5 million individuals in the country find access to water that is safe to drink and provide 1 million with safe sanitation.

With an injection of $44.1 million over five years, USAID proposes to work with not only the Indonesian government but also the private sector, NGOs, donor agencies, service utility providers and communities across the country to achieve four key aims:

  1. Increase financing for WASH and water resources management (WRM) sector governance.
  2. Widen access to safe drinking water and sanitation for the poorest urban communities.
  3. Improve the management of water-related resources, ensuring climate resilience in all seasons.
  4. Increase the number of women in leadership roles playing a part in the improvements to WASH and WRM.

Speaking on the newly announced activity and funding, Regional Secretary Darmawan Bintang praised USAID’s support in the fight for safe drinking water and sanitation in Indonesia. “We are proud to be one of the province partners for the implementation of the USAID High Priority Country Plan under the U.S. Global Water Strategy,” he said, “and we welcome the new USAID IUWASH Pasar activity.” 

As mentioned, USAID’s action contributes significantly towards global WASH efforts, headed by UNICEF. The latest UNICEF WASH Acts newsletter on Indonesia (October–December 2022) outlines some of the recent progress made by the NGO’s work in collaboration with the Government of Indonesia. This included a scale-up of the elimination of open defecation, and the advancement of safe sanitation programs in South Sulawesi, Aceh and Bekasi. 

Water Security and Vision of Indonesia 2045

In a 2021 report, the World Bank identified the importance of water security to the Vision of Indonesia 2045 plan. This goal — set by the country for its centenary — has the target of placing Indonesia in the top five global economies by 2045. Within this structured plan is the aim of transforming Indonesia into a nation with “high-income status and near-zero poverty.” 

The findings of the World Bank align with the new and existing work of USAID. Within its report, the organization laid out three key pillars for the improvement of water security in Indonesia, which it said will put Vision 2045 “firmly within reach.” These pillars are:

  1. An increase in sustainable water resource management and strengthened resilience to water security threats.
  2. An improvement to the “inclusivity, sustainability and efficiency of water services.”
  3. A strengthening of Indonesian governance for water management.

Moving Forward

USAID’s newly announced action to improve water security in Indonesia is a step in the right direction toward international aims. Following the research of the World Bank, USAID investment will help to provide safe drinking water and sanitation across Indonesia, advancing progress towards the near-zero poverty goal within Vision 2045. To ensure that water resources are made safe and secure for all Indonesians, the global aid effort must be sustained.

– Alice Weatherley
Photo: Flickr