Archive for category: Water Sanitation

, , ,

Overcoming Challenges to Improve Water Quality in Cambodia

Water Quality in CambodiaWater quality issues in Cambodia stem from a chain of connected problems. Limited sanitation infrastructure contributes to poor hygiene practices, contaminating water sources in a country already vulnerable to floods and droughts. Organizations are addressing these challenges by establishing reliable water sources and developing infrastructure that promotes healthy hygiene habits.

Root Causes

Nearly half of rural Cambodians rely on rivers, lakes and ponds for drinking water that is contaminated by poor waste disposal. Even groundwater in coastal regions is contaminated with coliform and E. coli, exposing communities to serious health risks. Without proper facilities and disposal practices, communities are left to depend on water that spreads disease and causes chronic illness.

The lack of sanitation infrastructure leaves people with few safe options. UNICEF reports that eight in 10 rural Cambodians defecate in open fields or bodies of water. Without toilets or clean water for handwashing, surface water is contaminated, continuing to pose a threat to water quality in Cambodia. There is a need for both reliable infrastructure and safe hygiene education to minimize the effects of waste disposal pollution.

Opposing seasons make improving water quality in Cambodia even more challenging as natural disasters intensify. Floods during the wet season carry debris and sewage, further contaminating water sources and damaging sanitation infrastructure. Relief is brief after the wet season, as the dry season brings droughts that deplete the remaining safe water sources. These harsh seasonal conditions force many Cambodians living in floodplains to rely on unsafe wells and surface water throughout the seasons.

What’s Changing?

Despite the challenges, progress is taking shape as local organizations partner with UNICEF’s WASH Program (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) to improve access to clean water, sanitation infrastructure and hygiene education.

Organizations such as Water for Cambodia are working to restore freshwater as a reliable source. Schools and homes can now use BioSand Water Filters to turn contaminated water into safe drinking water. Built using local materials, it filters polluted water through sand and gravel, producing clean water within minutes. One filter can give a family direct access to clean water for years, all while using the resources around them. New wells, rainwater systems and pipelines are also being built, creating dependable water sources in communities across the country.

Water for Women is tackling gaps in sanitation infrastructure by connecting more than 360,000 people in rural Cambodia to clean hygiene practices. The program improves WASH standards by providing sanitation products, building sheltered latrines and developing safe waste management systems. By prioritizing resilient infrastructure that can withstand floods and droughts, Water for Women is working to create long-term solutions to improve water quality in Cambodia. By equipping communities with the tools to prevent contamination, access to clean water becomes more reliable year-round.

Looking Ahead

To ensure lasting change, Water for Cambodia is investing in hygiene education for schools and households, providing communities with the tools and knowledge to stay healthy. By providing hygiene kits and educational sessions, the program ensures new infrastructure is actively used. Showing real progress is made when clean water, facilities and healthy habits are accessible.

The path to clean water is far from finished, but steady progress is being made. With local innovation, community leadership and global support, Cambodians are slowly breaking the cycle, creating resilient infrastructure to improve water quality and access.

– Hope Jowharian

Hope is based in Paris, France and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Access to Clean Water in Chad and the Fight Against Poverty

Access to Clean Water in Chad and the Fight Against Poverty Access to clean water is a critical issue in Chad, a landlocked country in Central Africa. Millions of people in Chad struggle daily to obtain safe drinking water, which affects health, education and economic development. Understanding the challenges and potential solutions is essential for improving the lives of people in Chad.

The Water Crisis in Chad

Chad faces one of the most severe water scarcity situations in the world. Many rural areas lack reliable water sources, and residents often rely on contaminated rivers or ponds. According to UNICEF, less than half of Chad’s population has access to safe drinking water. This shortage leads to widespread waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea and typhoid.

Factors Contributing to Water Scarcity

Several factors worsen the water crisis in Chad:

  1. Climate and droughts: Chad has a dry climate, with frequent droughts that reduce the availability of surface water.
  2. Poor infrastructure: Many regions lack wells, pumps and pipelines to deliver clean water.
  3. Population growth: Rapid population growth increases demand, putting more pressure on limited water resources.
  4. Conflict and displacement: Violence and political instability disrupt water systems and force people to flee to areas without safe water.

Health Impacts of Unsafe Water

Without access to clean water, children under five are especially vulnerable. Contaminated water contributes to high rates of malnutrition, stunting and preventable deaths. Women and girls often spend hours each day fetching water, which reduces time for education and work.

Solutions to Improve Access

Efforts to improve water access in Chad focus on both infrastructure and community programs:

  1. Boreholes and wells: Drilling deep wells provides communities with access to safe groundwater.
  2. Water filtration systems: Simple filtration devices can remove bacteria and pathogens from contaminated water.
  3. Education on hygiene: Teaching communities about handwashing, water storage and sanitation reduces waterborne diseases.

Looking Ahead 

Improving access to clean water in Chad is essential for health, education and economic growth. While challenges such as the changing climate, population growth and poor infrastructure remain, targeted solutions such as wells, filtration systems and hygiene education can make a meaningful difference.

– Nishanth Pothapragada

Nishanth is based in London, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

5 Charities Operating in China

Charities Operating in ChinaBy 2020, China had eradicated extreme poverty. Over the past four decades, the country lifted around 800 million people out of extreme poverty, accounting for roughly 75% of global poverty reduction. The speed and scale of this achievement are unmatched. Charities operating in China played a crucial role in the elimination of extreme poverty and continue to contribute as the country advances towards its goal of common prosperity. 

Poverty Persists

However, poverty in China has not disappeared entirely. While China has eliminated extreme poverty under the national standard of $2.30 a day, the World Bank, using a higher poverty benchmark of $8.30 a day, shows that around 15% of the population still lives in poverty, which is nearly 300 million people. Using a higher poverty standard line typical of upper-middle-income countries such as China, set at $6.85 a day, around 17% of the population still lives in poverty, with close to half living in rural areas.

Following the elimination of extreme poverty, China has shifted its focus toward the goal of common prosperity with charities operating in China playing a key role in supporting vulnerable communities and reducing inequality.

China Charity Federation 

Founded in 1994, the China Charity Federation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to poverty alleviation and helping disadvantaged and vulnerable groups across Chinese society.

The Federation assists people living in poverty or facing other difficulties through a wide range of initiatives, including emergency relief, elderly and orphan assistance, as well as medical and educational aid. Over the years, it has raised more than 160 billion yuan ($ 22.4 billion) in charitable funds, benefiting tens of millions of people.

The Happy Home Village and Community Mutual Aid Project provides rural villages with a digital platform to raise and manage funds for projects supporting poverty alleviation, rural revitalization and community development. Beyond fundraising, the project also provides volunteers to support children, the elderly, the poor and other groups requiring assistance.

Red Cross Society of China

The Red Cross Society of China is part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the world’s largest humanitarian network. It aims to protect human life and health, safeguard human dignity and promote peace and progress. The society provides emergency relief and humanitarian assistance in emergencies, such as war or natural disasters.

Following the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake, the organization raised funds, collected supplies and distributed aid, clothing and emergency items. It also supported the reconstruction of homes for vulnerable families, providing training and financial assistance to help them rebuild earthquake-resistant houses. In addition, it implemented programs to help families generate income and recover economically, while building disaster preparedness systems to strengthen communities’ capacity to respond to future emergencies.

China Foundation for Rural Development

The China Foundation for Rural Development focuses on tackling the root causes of rural poverty. One major challenge it addresses is child malnutrition in rural areas, where many students lack access to balanced meals or to meals at all. The problem is that many schools do not have the necessary equipment to prepare nutritious meals, and many communities are unaware of the importance of proper nutrition. 

Its Nutritious Meals Program aims to improve rural children’s nutrition by providing a daily serving of milk and eggs to students, equipping schools with kitchen facilities and equipment and offering nutrition training and education for parents and teachers. Since 2008, the program has delivered around 57 million nutritious meals to more than 1 million children and established approximately 2,000 “Love Kitchens.”

The Amity Foundation

The Amity Foundation is an independent Chinese organization committed to public health, social welfare and community development. One of its programs focuses on the education of young people in rural areas, aiming to provide students in underdeveloped regions with access to equal educational opportunities. This initiative seeks to provide educational equity by improving access to quality education and creating supportive learning environments. Schools benefit from upgraded infrastructure, along with sports and learning equipment, to support both academic and physical development. The program places particular emphasis on supporting orphans and girls, for example, by offering financial aid to female college students. It helps students return to school and supports university students in completing their studies. Amity’s work contributes to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering inclusive, continuous and holistic education for disadvantaged children in China.

One Foundation 

Founded in 2007, One Foundation is dedicated to public welfare for all, focusing on three main areas: disaster relief, childcare and development and public welfare support and innovation.

Its Water Purification Plan aims to improve drinking water conditions in rural school campuses by providing water, purification equipment, drinking cups and water and health education to students and staff.

Coca-Cola partnered with the initiative by creating a bottled water brand that supports providing clean drinking water to rural schoolchildren. Under the slogan:  “Drink Good, Do Good,” their sales supported One Foundation’s efforts to build water facilities and improve access to safe water in rural areas.

The Path to Common Prosperity

Charities operating in China play a vital role in supporting vulnerable communities, providing education, healthcare, nutrition, disaster relief and other essential services. Their work helps reduce inequality and lays the groundwork for the country’s broader goal of common prosperity.

China has made common prosperity, a society in which wealth and opportunity are widely shared, a central policy objective. The country aims to make significant progress by 2035 and fully realize this vision by 2050. Xi Jinping has described common prosperity as transforming China’s current income distribution, which he compares to a pyramid, with many poor people at the bottom and a few very rich, into the shape of an olive with very few people at either extreme and a more balanced distribution of wealth. Key strategies include implementing rural revitalization and urbanization initiatives, ensuring equal access to basic services such as health care and education, revitalizing underdeveloped regions and supporting low-income individuals facing special difficulties. Common prosperity aims to reduce the wealth gap between China’s rich and poor.

– Jeanne Pellet

Jeanne is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

A Nation in Poverty: An Analysis of Being Poor in Syria 

Being Poor in SyriaSyria has been engulfed in a civil war since the Arab Spring of 2011, eventually culminating in the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024; however, despite the collapse of the dictatorship, conflict has labored on, and the poverty rate refuses to budge. As it currently stands, 90% of Syrians are impoverished, surviving on less than $2.15 a day, according to the World Food Program (WFP); this level of destitution is primarily reliant on water scarcity, food shortages, disheveled health care infrastructure, lack of education and insufficient energy production.  Here is more information about being poor in Syria.

Water Scarcity 

Today, 14.6 million Syrians do not have regular access to clean drinking water, according to UNICEF. The year 2021 marked the beginning of the most severe drought Syria has seen since 1997, with the first quarter of 2025 producing only 94.9 millimeters of rainfall compared to the average of 165.4mm, according to Syria Direct. 

As a consequence of burning fossil fuels, from 2020-2023, temperatures in Syria increased by an average of 1.2 degrees Celsius, taking this level of drought from a one in 250-year event, down to one in 10, according to World Weather Attribution.

In 2010, Syria’s water pumps produced around 1.7 billion cubic meters of water; in 2022, that number had dwindled down to a mere 600 million cubic meters, according to The Century Foundation. The Century Foundation also reports that between 800,000-1.2 million Syrians access water from the Euphrates. However, between the drought depleting the supply and Turkey not allowing the allotted share of water to pass through to Syria, there has been a significant deficit in what the river can provide.

Water Treatment in Syria

Even then, nearly two-thirds of water treatment facilities, half of all pumping stations, and one-third of water towers have suffered catastrophic damage as a result of the ongoing conflict. Almost half of all Syrians are dependent on unsafe drinking sources, and 70% of the nation’s sewage goes untreated, according to UNICEF.

Furthermore, in the governorates of Raqqa and Deir al-Zour, virtually all of the untreated sewage goes directly into the Euphrates, supplementing the ever-growing sanitation dilemma, according to The Century Foundation. The combination of low water levels and destitute sewer infrastructure has become a breeding ground for disease, with 60,000 people suspected of contracting cholera between August 2022 and January 2023, according to The Century Foundation. 

By October 2023, suspected cases of watery diarrhea had increased to more than 215,000, according to Relief Web. While this affliction may sound generally harmless to those in the Western world, if left untreated, patients may die from fluid loss within a matter of hours. However, Syria has made monumental advancements in water infrastructure in recent months.

Thanks to the combined efforts of the Emergency Children’s Help Organization and the Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development, in late July, Aleppo saw the rehabilitation of three water systems, which had previously become inoperable due to earthquake-sustained damage. These facilities have now guaranteed access to free water for thousands of Syrians, according to Relief Web. However, the remaining exhausted water sources have taken a heavy toll on farmers and, in turn, the overall domestic food supply. One of the contributing factors for this strain has been that the methods Syria uses in cultivation require more water than the climate was capable of producing, even prior to the drought. Frankly, groundwater cannot even sustain these methods.  

Food Shortages

Food shortages are a significant part of being poor in Syria. In Daraa’s 2025 harvest alone, farmers lost 50% of irrigated wheat, but it pales in comparison to the near 100% of rainwater-fed crops that became defunct. For context, this equates to a measly 14% of 2024’s crop, according to Syria Direct. Additionally, the wheat that Daraa has maintained is suffering from increased competition and the possibility of subsidies being removed.  

Syria’s interim government has lifted customs duties and restrictions on Turkish imports. Since the beginning of 2025, these imports have increased by 47%, and the powers that be are also mulling over the alienation of wheat subsidies, according to the Tahir Institute. 

Bread subsidies are already on the sidelines. On top of that, gas canisters used to cook sextupled in price by January 2025, according to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. That being said, nearly 13 million Syrians are at risk of extreme hunger, with an additional 2.6 million at risk, according to Relief Web. As a result, UNICEF has said that more than 3.5 million children have become victims of stunting, wasting and micronutrient deficiencies. However, earlier in August 2025, UNICEF announced that it had deployed 14 mobile health and nutrition teams throughout southern Syria, claiming that supplies would be allocated to an estimated 4,000 women and children in need.  

Looking Ahead

While it may seem like a drop in the bucket, efforts like this begin to compound in addressing being poor in Syria. With the help of like-minded organizations, it’s only a matter of time before the situation improves. Even if it’s little by little, these initiatives are saving lives. 

– Owen Armentrout

Owen is based in Detroit, MI, USAs and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

, , ,

Building Wells In Kenya: A Change For Education

wells in KenyaThroughout Kenya, women and girls are responsible to collect water and often spend a significant amount of time each day walking to collect water. Not only do these walks expose them to harsh weather, dangerous terrain and potential attacks, but the water collected often comes from a polluted source.

Those walking for water often walk an average of 4 miles round trip. This can take multiple hours as the terrain is rough and the weather can be brutal. During the dry months when there is no rain, water cannot be collected from waterholes and will instead be retrieved from rivers infested with crocodiles. The walk to the river is more than six miles.

As young girls walk multiple times each day, they often lose the opportunity to receive education while also enduring health risks, social disparities, and environmental impacts.

Risks

As the walk for water takes up most of their day, children and, in particular, young girls, often miss school or do not focus properly on their studies. This lack of education allows a cycle of poverty to continue and limit future employment or economic advancement for these Kenyan families.

When collecting water, there is often no way of filtering out the dirt and bacteria in the water. The dirt and bacteria within the water causes the water to regularly run brown and serious waterborne diseases can easily be contracted.

Besides the risk of waterborne diseases, these Kenyan families often do not have enough water for proper hygiene and sanitation. This creates an environment where diseases such as respiratory illnesses, diabetes, diarrhea, malaria, typhoid and HIV will thrive.

Organizations Providing Clean, Sustainable Water

United Mission Relief (UMR) helps communities in Kenya with food insecurity, economic instability and health issues. They provide an initiative that trains women and children in water-efficient farming methods while giving hands-on experience and entrepreneurial skills in order to create some financial independence.

Water For Life Charity has projects providing wells in Kenya. The organization selects the best location for a well, then conducts a survey to choose an area with water bearing zones present before installing a well.

Water Wells For Africa is an organization that has installed more than 500 wells in Kenya for 29 years. Along with these pumps, they have seen a decrease in waterborne diseases. Many of the pumps installed are built to last and easy to maintain, many of which have already lasted 20+ years.

The Water Project works to equip, train and fund non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have an established presence in countries such as Kenya, Uganda and Sierra Leone. These NGOs work with The Water Project to provide clean water with reliable access as well as maintenance for installed wells.

Improving Lives

The WellBoring Organization provided wells in Kenya to 40 schools and observed the long-term impacts. The results of the observation showed more education access as enrollment increased by more than 10% with only a 5% absenteeism rate.

As the organization provides safe water to more than 300 schools, the increase in school attendance rose to the millions. Schools with 500 students now have 75 additional students, as children would no longer have to take time out of their day to get water.

The promotion of hygiene practice, along with access to safe water, enhances community health. A significant reduction in waterborne diseases occurred in these communities because of easily accessible and clean water that these wells in Kenya provide.

– Eva Wakelin

Eva is based in Atlanta, GA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Mission Possible: Combating the Water Crisis in India

Water Crisis in IndiaIndia, home to 18% of the world’s population and only 4% of its water resources, faces a need for sustainable water management. In response, national campaigns and programs that local communities and women are leading are transforming how India conserves, consumes and manages water, thus addressing the water crisis in India.

About the Water Crisis in India

The severe water crisis amid record-breaking heat waves intensifies each summer, and according to data from India’s Health Ministry, between March 1st and June 18th, 2024, 110 people died from heatstroke.

The right to safe drinking water is a fundamental human right. According to the Central Ground Water Board in 2020, 256 districts were water-stressed. In rural areas groundwater levels are overexploited, and as per a report from the National Commission on Integrated Water Resources Development (NCIWRD), India’s average per capita water availability, is likely to reduce drastically by 2050, leading to a severely water stressed country.

In rural settings, the lack of infrastructure and sanitation, fueled by a lack of hygiene education, gives way for preventable waterborne diseases to take the lives of millions every year. It affects countless children and elderly folk whose immune systems are weakened by age. The public taps and tube wells that are the primary source for many in rural areas are the most prone to contamination.

In addition to global causes like changing weather patterns and availability, India faces specific, deeply rooted challenges. In a country like India where social inequalities have persisted, social inequities that linger directly impact access to water, how it is allocated, distributed and consumed. Additionally, water scarcity and exclusion from public resources continue to disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Here are some key missions working to address the water crisis in India:

1. Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain Campaign

The Indian government launched the Jal Shakti Abhiyan campaign, which translates to “water power,” in 2019 to promote water conservation strategies across India, especially the rural areas. The initiative introduces a new slogan and theme each year on World Water Day, March 22nd. In 2024, the focus was to empower women with the slogan “Nari Shakti Se Jal Shakti’ to highlight the role of women in sustainable management of water resources.

This year’s campaign emphasizes water conservation and management through community participation and innovative strategies. It launched in Banaskantha, Gujarat, with the aim to construct 50,000 recharge wells along with water conservation strategies that boost groundwater levels, agriculture and sustainable farming.

To raise awareness this year, it featured several key events including the inauguration of exhibitions that highlighted water conservation through artistic expression and the unveiling of innovative water management projects, including Community Sanitary Complexes, Liquid Waste Management Systems, the Gobardhan Project and a Solid Waste Management Shed in Haryana, according to a press release by the Press Information Bureau.

Since its launch in 2019, this campaign has had tremendous success. Between March 2023 to December 2023 alone, the initiative implemented 66.4 million afforestation activities, built approximately 1.06 million water harvesting structures, renovated more than 250,000 traditional water bodies and created 1.24 million watershed development structures.

2. Jal Jeevan Mission: Har Ghar Jal

The government of India launched The Jal Jeevan Mission in 2019 as a flagship program to provide safe and adequate drinking water to rural households across India. Planned as a four-year initiative, the mission focuses on implementing long term sustainable water systems as well as greywater management and rainwater harvesting.

Since its announcement in 2019, rural households with tap water connections have grown from 17% to 80%, now reaching around 156 million households. The mission enabled a total of 154 districts, 1,570 blocks, 95,728 Gram Panchayats and 1,99,675 villages to become “Har Ghar Jal,” meaning every home has access to water.

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), the mission has helped avert nearly 400,000 deaths from diarrheal diseases, prevented 14 million Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) and saved up to $101 billion in health-related costs.

3. Jal Sahelis or “Water friends”

India’s drought-prone Bundelkhand region saw a movement in water conservation led by local communities and women. Local NGO group Parmarth Samaj Sevi Sansthan set up the Jal Saheli program in 2011 to address the long history of water scarcity in the region. The initiative aimed to empower women— many of whom used to walk over a mile to fetch water from a well— to take charge of water management in their communities.

This program enabled women from different villages to receive training in water conservation efforts and management, learning about sustainability and government schemes. Challenging gender norms, the women became the face of advocacy and leadership.

The initiative’s efforts contributed to a shift in agricultural water use, retention of rainwater techniques, and more. Today, there are around 1,530 Jal Sahelis (water friends)  across 321 villages in Bundelkhand.

Other Initiatives

Additional campaigns and government initiatives, such as the Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies (RRR) scheme, have launched to support broader water management and conservation goals. The RRR scheme is a more long-term scheme that originated in 2005 with a focus to restore and enhance water bodies such as to improve irrigation and efficiency. Since its launch, more than 1,000 water bodies have been restored across multiple states.

Looking Ahead

The growing impacts of changing weather patterns, groundwater crisis and water availability emphasizes the need to focus on water not just as a resource but as a lifeline. Initiatives and movements like the Jal Shakti Abhiyan and Jal Jeevan mission make empowering communities to learn more about water conservation and management more imperative than ever.

For millions of villages in India, the promise of safe water is not just a milestone, but a shift toward a more water abundant and sustainable country in the face of changing climates.

– Sahana Shastry

Sahana is based in Newtown Square, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

,

Updates on SDG 6 in Brazil

SDG 6 in BrazilThe United Nations General Assembly issued the Sustainable Development Plan in September 2015 with Sustainable Development Goal 1 being to “end poverty in all its forms everywhere.” The organization aims to assist nations worldwide in the fight against poverty. Brazil, the largest nation in South America, has been significantly influenced by limited access to essential resources like electrical energy that has contributed to the welfare of millions of people. When adult unemployment is taken into account, productivity drops to 33%. This implies that 67% of the country’s potential is missing. To stabilize Brazil’s economy and help its citizens, creative concepts and clear policies are essential in addressing issues like energy poverty and limited access to clean water. Here is information about poverty and efforts to address SDG 6 in Brazil, which is to provide adequate water and sanitation.

Poverty in Brazil

Brazilian poverty is a lasting issue with deep historical roots. The country’s population consists of of 205.3 million people. Despite being one of the largest sights in the world, Brazil’s huge income inequities have left much of its population in poverty. Low accessibility of healthcare and education are factors that explain its widespread levels of poverty. Even if poverty rates vary over time, there are millions of Brazilians who continue to live below the poverty line every day, just trying to meet minimum standards of decent food, housing and personal healthcare. Eradicating poverty in Brazil requires strategy to drive inclusive growth and humanitarian services. Some groups like Afro-Brazilians have limited accessibility in applying to schools and health clinics. Females are prone to discrimination in the working system. As a result, some people are attempting to resolve these issues in Brazil. 

Active Measures To Address Energy Poverty

Within the Paraguay-Brazil region, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) joined Itaipu Bi-National in promoting water and energy resource preservation. To further advance Brazil’s agenda towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, the partnership designed a 2030 vision board.

Energy poverty is a very critical problem in Brazil, where a significant number of people have historically lacked access to electricity. Inadequate, reliable energy slows economic development, limits educational achievement and impacts the overall quality of life, particularly in rural and poor communities.

The partnership established sustainable energy solutions in an attempt to build a stronger foundation on better collaboration and speech dialogues to discuss energy connectivity. The plan is also to find any fundamental barriers or obstacles in the incorporation of these sustainability goals. Less helping hands discourages the development of home-based businesses and minimizes access to communication and data technologies, leading to a constant poverty cycle. However, with this partnership, the results should play out in the country’s favor.

The Necessity of Addressing SDG 6 in Brazil

Limited clean water is yet another significant challenge for people in Brazil. Lack of adequate infrastructure, pollution by industry and agriculture and climate change impacts are among the reasons for limited water and water pollution. With no clean sources of water, waterborne disease is more likely to occur, impacting productivity. In 2022, 23.9% of Brazilian citizens endured irregular water stock. One of the most shocking events Brazil experienced was Rio Grande do Sul’s floods in 2024 where several officials reported 54 confirmed cases of waterborne diseases or leptospirosis, causing four sudden deaths. Women and children are more likely to bear the bulk of water collection responsibilities, once again keeping them away from education. Water management improvement and access to clean water programs are critical to Brazilian society’s health and sustainable development.

The Agua Limpa Project

United Nations environmental activist and philanthropist Gisele Bündchen has contributed positively to Brazil through sustainable development of the Agua Limpa Project (Clean Water Project). In 2004, a passionate, nature-driven Bündchen visited the Xingu area of Brazil. As an eyewitness to river pollution, she has pushed for an end to ecological degradation. The project began in 2008, co-founded with Bundchen’s family, and they planted more than 40,000 trees near streams. She oversaw the country’s water quality when managing wildlife’s restoration. Bündchen’s work as a UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador in Kenya is another noteworthy aspect of her career. Her influence even extends beyond the publishing of her works, including the New York Times bestseller “Lesson: My Path to a Meaningful Life.” She shares her life experiences from exploring Brazilian lands and how it shaped her mind.

The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation

Sustainability resources have also been accompanied by Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio, whose advocacy stands for nations like Brazil, in which they seek available natural resources. DiCaprio promotes conservation efforts through his Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation established in 1998. The organization has supported at least 100 and more special projects in 50 countries and has achieved success in increasing international funding for environmental causes, wildland protection, and ocean conservation. The foundation has offered funding grants worth $20 million to around 100 communities fighting for environmental issues like changing weather patterns.

While DiCaprio’s efforts are dedicated to big-time environmental preservation and changing weather, he also spoke out for poverty reduction through the conservation of natural resources upon which most communities base their primary livelihood. For instance, his foundation supports projects that protect forests, whose role in the livelihoods in Brazil  is significant. As of today his foundation continues to conduct additional research on specific projects in Brazil that would provide a lasting contribution to poverty alleviation in the nation. 

Looking Ahead

Ending poverty and addressing SDG 6 in Brazil requires a special approach that includes promoting access to clean energy, natural resource management and promoting collaborative work between international agencies, governments, and individuals. Initiatives like the UN DESA partnership, Brazil’s development in biofuel and hydropower and the ongoing activism by Giselle Bundchen and Leonardo DiCaprio all play a crucial role in driving Brazil towards an equitable future. 

– Janae Bayford

Janae is based in Centennial, CO, USA and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

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

, ,

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

, ,

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