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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

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Innovative Solutions for Clean Water Access

Solutions to Clean Water
Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, yet millions of people in developing countries still lack safe and reliable water sources. The scarcity of clean water poses serious health risks, perpetuates poverty and hinders socio-economic development. The following is an exploration of innovative technologies and approaches that are revolutionizing solutions for clean water access in resource-limited settings, offering hope for a sustainable future.

Challenges of Clean Water Access in Developing Countries

In many developing regions, limited infrastructure for water supply and sanitation leads to inadequate access to clean water and increased waterborne diseases. Unsafe water sources often become contaminated with pollutants, pathogens and dangerous chemicals, posing severe health risks to communities relying on them for drinking and daily needs. Additionally, the impact of climate change exacerbates water scarcity in certain regions, making it crucial to find adaptive and resilient solutions for clean water access.

Moreover, resource-limited settings often face financial barriers to implementing and maintaining clean water solutions, hindering progress in improving water access. Further to this, the high costs associated with traditional water treatment plants and distribution systems may not be feasible for communities with limited funds and resources.

Innovative Solutions for Clean Water Access

  1. Solar-Powered Water Purification: Innovative solar-powered water purification systems use sunlight to disinfect water, eliminating harmful pathogens and contaminants. These systems are sustainable, cost-effective and suitable for off-grid communities, providing access to safe drinking water in areas with limited infrastructure.
  2. Water ATMs: Water ATMs are automated water dispensing machines that provide safe and affordable water to communities. Users can access clean water by paying with prepaid cards or mobile payments, ensuring a steady and reliable supply without the need for extensive infrastructure.
  3. Fog Harvesting: Fog harvesting technology collects water droplets from fog and condenses them into clean drinking water. This solution is particularly beneficial in arid regions where traditional water sources are scarce, offering a unique and eco-friendly approach to water access.
  4. Bio-Sand Filters: Bio-sand filters are simple, low-cost devices that remove impurities from water. They are easy to maintain and have proven effective in reducing waterborne diseases, making them suitable for resource-limited settings.
  5. Mobile Water Treatment Units: Mobile water treatment units equipped with advanced filtration and purification systems can be deployed to disaster-stricken and remote areas, providing immediate access to clean water during emergencies and natural disasters.
  6. Rainwater Harvesting: Rainwater harvesting systems collect and store rainwater for domestic use. This eco-friendly approach is especially valuable in regions with regular rainfall but limited access to clean water sources, providing a sustainable water supply.
  7. Water Quality Monitoring Apps: Mobile apps that enable communities to monitor water quality in real-time empower them to identify potential contamination and take proactive measures to ensure safe water access. These apps bridge the gap in water testing capabilities in remote areas.

Conclusion

Access to clean water is vital for economic development and poverty alleviation. Therefore, it is important that we understand the importance of finding solutions for clean water to address these critical needs.

The challenges of providing clean water in developing countries demand innovative and sustainable solutions. Solar-powered purification, water ATMs, fog harvesting and other emerging technologies could go a long way to ensure clean water access for all.

Embracing these innovative approaches alongside community engagement and international cooperation has the potential to give developing nations a brighter future. One in which clean water is readily available to every person, regardless of their socio-economic status.

– Mihir Naik
Photo: Flickr

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Innovative Solutions for Water Scarcity

Innovative Solutions for Water Scarcity
Around the world, 1.1 billion people lack access to water, while 2.7 billion face water scarcity for at least one month each year. With changing weather patterns and an increase in extreme weather events like drought and extreme heat, water scarcity has become an even bigger threat than before. Every year, 829,000 people die from diseases directly related to the Triple Threat (unsafe water, poor sanitation and inadequate hygiene).

Despite challenges in how to tackle the issue of water scarcity, organizations and governments across the globe have already begun to implement initiatives to address this issue. For instance, in 2015, the OECD introduced its Water Governance Programme to advise governments at all levels on improving water policies. Scientific research conducted by institutions like the University of Birmingham and organizations like WWF is also focusing on finding solutions for water scarcity.

There are a variety of technologies undergoing development across the globe, from startups to governments, that are addressing the issue of water scarcity. Among these, the following innovative solutions stand out and show potential for tackling the issue successfully.

Solar Panel Technology: Desolenator

Desolenator, a desalination start-up, anticipates a 400% increase in the demand for drinkable water in the manufacturing sector. The company employs solar panel technology to harness sunlight and generate electricity. By utilizing thermal energy, it is able to purify contaminated water through the process of boiling, transforming it into steam and ultimately producing clean water.

Desolenator is currently partnering with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority to work on a project in Dubai, aligning with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050. Its goal is for 100% of energy production to come from clean energy sources by 2050. Not only is Desolenator helping to harness innovative solutions for water scarcity, it is doing so in a sustainable way.

Microfiltration: LifeStraw

LifeStraw, a company specializing in microfiltration, has developed a device that removes 99.9% of waterborne bacteria. It is relatively inexpensive, can be used at home or outdoors and removes more than 30 contaminants in water including chemicals, pesticides, bacteria, microplastics and parasites. LifeStraw is finding innovative solutions to tackling water scarcity. For example, with every 500 products sold, it distributes a LifeStraw purifier to a school in need as part of its Give Back Programme. It also works in partnership with the Carter Center for Guinea worm eradication and in emergency response work, distributing its products to those in need to ensure access to clean water.

Filter Paper: Folia Water

Folia Water has developed a filter paper infused with silver nanoparticles that can eliminate bacteria, viruses and parasites from water. The filter is cost-effective and capable of cleaning 20 liters of water. In 2015, Folia Water trialed the filter at 25 contaminated water sources in Ghana, Bangladesh and South Africa and successfully removed more than 99% of bacteria. While Folia Water needs more funding, it has provided safe drinking water to more than 40,000 low-income individuals in two districts of Bangladesh and aims to extend this to 500 million South Asians.

Agricultural Irrigation Technology

Agricultural irrigation technology generally involves how farmers can efficiently yield crops in the face of water shortages. The three main technologies include gravity, sprinkler and micro irrigation. These allow farmers to maximize crop yield despite water shortages. Since agricultural practices consume around 70% of the world’s freshwater supplies, governments around the world have been implementing policies to encourage agricultural irrigation. For example, the Moroccan Government has expanded irrigation with investment in the agricultural sector. Agricultural irrigation helps to manage water scarcity by increasing the effectiveness of water management and reducing water waste.

Wastewater Recycling: Membrane Bioreactor

Wastewater recycling reduces dependence on freshwater resources and limits the amount of discharged wastewater. Water recycling can be defined as the process of treating wastewater by using machines and chemicals for the reuse of water in industrial cycles. Recyclable water can include sewage, industrial drainage or domestic greywater. An effective solution is recycling waste water through a Membrane Bioreactor which removes toxins through a filtration system. Currently, the U.K. only recycles 2-10% of wastewater. Despite this, there are many positive impacts to recycling wastewater, including reducing costs for incoming water use, reducing costs for water disposal and lowering the environmental impact of operations. Alongside this, recycling wastewater can help address water scarcity, since less is going to waste.

Looking Ahead

Water scarcity remains a global issue facing billions of people worldwide, but organizations and governments are making efforts to tackle water scarcity through various initiatives. For example, the OECD’s Water Governance Programme provides guidance to governments on improving their policies, while scientific research has led to the development of products such as Desolenator, LifeStraw and Folia Water which are attempting to address water scarcity. Continued collaboration, policies and research show that innovative solutions can help in combating water scarcity.

– Rosie Lyons
Photo: Flickr

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5 Facts About Water Security in Tanzania

Water Security in Tanzania
Tanzania’s economy, health and food security rely on the sustainable management of water resources. The United Nations has entrenched access to clean water and proper sanitation as a fundamental human right. However, this has not prevented the lack of water security in Tanzania, particularly in rural areas, from negatively impacting sectors like education and health care. On the positive side, efforts are ongoing to improve water security in the country.

5 Issues Affecting Water Security in Tanzania

  1. Changing Weather Patterns: According to forecasts, the average temperature in Southwest Tanzania could increase by 3 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, leading to higher evaporation rates and significantly affecting water availability.
  2. Mismanagement of Water Resources: Economic growth in Tanzania has prompted a growing demand for water. Yet, water management services fail to match this high level of demand, leaving 21 million citizens unable to access improved drinking water in 2017. In particular, this issue disproportionately affects poor rural districts.
  3. Poor Infrastructure: An estimated 80% of rural Tanzanians in rural areas use outmoded water and sanitation infrastructure such as pit toilets. A pit toilet is a type of toilet that collects human feces in a ground hole. These toilets typically do not have any lids to prevent groundwater pollution, thereby increasing the prevalence of water-related diseases. This lack of adequate toilet facilities also affects schools in the country. According to USAID in 2021, around 10% of menstruating girls in Tanzania drop out of school due to a lack of hygiene and sanitation facilities to properly and privately manage their menstruation.
  4. Health Impacts. Diarrhea-related diseases account for around 26,000 deaths due to the pathogen-infested water supply. Illnesses from the contaminated water have dire effects on education as school children lose as many as 33 million school days per annum. In 2015, only 17% of rural districts had access to sanitary water services. Additionally, according to reports, approximately 40% of the Tanzanian population has access to sanitary water services.
  5. Poor Hygiene: Tanzania only has a handful of public or private places where people can maintain proper hygiene practices, such as handwashing. While some places have handwashing areas, there is often no wash soap and non-contaminated water. Poor water, hygiene and sanitation services in Tanzania also significantly impact the health of school children as 84% of schools in the country lack access to handwashing facilities.

Improvement Efforts

From Jan. 4, 2016, to April 30, 2021, the U.S.-aided Water Resources Integration Development Initiative (WARIDI) intervened to combat the interconnected issues concerning water security in Tanzania. It collaborated with 20 local government authorities between the Wami-River and Rufiji River basins to drive the sustainable management of water resources. This included increased access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services. Basin water officers received training on interpreting data regarding sustainable and resilient water management. WARIDI used modern equipment that monitors the flow of water in various streams supplying major rivers.

WARIDI’s efforts created a succinct study of climate vulnerability that could be incorporated into its model for the efficient allocation of water resources. The organization aided in the establishment and development of 50 water infrastructure projects for 500,000 inhabitants across the Morogoro and Iringa regions of Tanzania in May 2021. The project provides access to potable water in rural regions, negating the need for 255,000 women to undertake perilous journeys to collect water.

Looking Ahead

Overall, WARID’s comprehensive approach to recognizing the importance of water conservation and maintenance of water infrastructure has played a significant role in alleviating issues related to water security in Tanzania. It has enhanced the living standards of many inhabitants through a variety of advanced water supply resources, including submergible pumps, solar panels, chlorine treatment divisions and valve chambers. The work is not yet complete as many Tanzanians still face significant challenges with accessing water. However, many positive results are visible from ongoing work and the situation continues to improve.

– Dami Kalejaiye
Photo: Flickr

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Improving Health Care in Guinea-Bissau

Health care in Guinea-Bissau
Like most countries across West Africa, Guinea-Bissau’s health care struggles have threatened the well-being of the country’s people. Several organizations are working to improve health care in Guinea-Bissau.

Health Care in Numbers

According to the World Bank, Guinea-Bissau spent 8.35% of its GDP on health care in 2019, an increase from 7% in 2017. The 2019 GDP expenditure rate was significantly higher than many other comparable African countries. For instance, the West African country of Nigeria spent only 3% of its GDP on health in 2019. World Bank data also shows that the country had 0.2 physicians per 1,000 people in 2020 and one hospital bed per 1,000 people in 2009. As a result of limited access to trained health care professionals and proper health care, life expectancy in Guinea-Bissau equaled 60.2 years compared to the global average of 73. However, life expectancy in Guinea-Bissau has improved by 9.93 years from an average of 50.3 years in 2000.

Water-Borne Illnesses in Guinea Bissau

Similar to many West African countries, the people of Guinea-Bissau suffer from inadequate access to clean water. According to UNICEF, 50% of hand pumps across the nation are dysfunctional. According to the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey in Guinea-Bissau 2014, “75[%] of the country’s total population have access to improved drinking water source.” This forces a significant proportion of the population to use contaminated water for everyday uses such as drinking and cooking.

Guinea-Bissau has suffered frequent cholera outbreaks. As a result of the frequent consumption of contaminated water, cholera spreads quickly across areas with poorly maintained sewage and water systems. The cholera outbreak that occurred between 2005 and 2006 saw a total of 25,111 overall cases and 399 fatalities. Despite cholera being most prevalent in urban areas, particularly in the capital Bissau, most fatalities occur in rural areas. This is because of the lack of medical facilities located outside the cities. During the 2008 cholera outbreak, the World Health Organization reported that the “overall case-fatality rate stands at 1.9% and decreases below 1% for hospitalized cases” but “reaches 9% in remote areas.”

Maternal and Child Health in Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau struggles with providing adequate maternal and child health care. The World Bank says, in 2017, the maternal mortality rate stood at 667 maternal deaths per 100,000 births. However, this is an improvement from 1,210 in 2000. Maternal mortality in Guinea-Bissau is higher than its regional average — a consequence of underfunding and understaffing in the area of maternal health care in the country.

According to the Global Nutrition Report, “Guinea-Bissau has made some progress toward achieving the target for stunting, but 27.7% of children under 5 years of age are still affected, which is lower than the average for the Africa region (30.7%).”

Solutions

Although Guinea-Bissau’s health care struggles have eased, charitable organizations are attempting to make further improvements.

In 2019, focusing on improving children’s health care in Guinea Bissau, UNICEF supported deworming and vitamin A implementation into the care routines carried out by community health workers. UNICEF has also made strides in combating acute malnutrition by supporting screening and treatment processes aiding children suffering from severe cases of acute malnutrition. These treatment centers have been set up in 78 health care facilities nationwide. 

Concerning water accessibility, in 2022, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) commissioned a new borehole in the southern province of Guinea-Bissau providing clean water for approximately 3,000 people in the region. Providing communities with safe drinking water helps limit the spread of waterborne diseases, such as cholera, which is prevalent in the country.

Looking Ahead

While Guinea-Bissau has significant health care challenges, with the help of charitable organizations addressing children’s health care needs and improving access to clean water, the intensity of Guinea-Bissau’s health care struggles can lessen.

– Freddie Trevanion
Photo: Flickr