World Water Day is March 22 of each year as designated by the United Nations. Drawing attention to the conservation and development of water resources is the overall objective. Advocacy, publication, and organization of conferences with the year’s chosen theme is how they hope to increase public awareness. This year’s theme is “Sanitation.” The U.N. hopes to attract international attention to conservation and development of water resources through this yearly ritual.

The safe disposal of human waste and the ability to maintain hygienic conditions, through disposal services and wastewater treatment is paramount to basic sanitation. These conditions that are taken for granted here in the United States are not possible in many developing countries. Of course, the lack of basic sanitation leaves many people at risk for diseases caused by unsafe drinking water and unsanitary living conditions. Nearly 40% of the world's populations, 2.6 billion people, throughout the world are living without basic sanitation.

There are 1.6 million deaths from diarrhea related disease every year worldwide, directly related to unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene. Children younger than five years of age make up the majority of these deaths. Efforts to promote personal hygiene, improve wastewater management processes, increase access to toilets, and improve drinking water quality should be included in efforts to establish effective sanitation programs.

Hand washing is one of the most important efforts that can be made in stopping the spread of germs and staying healthy! Unwashed hands accelerate the spread of bacteria, parasites, and viruses. While this seems like a simple countermeasure to implement, it may not be possible in many homes and orphanages. Those of you who traveled to orphanages in developing countries to pick up your adopted children may have found the orphanage without running water. My adopted daughter traveled to such an orphanage in Guatemala on a short-term mission’s trip a couple of years ago. Stagnant tubs of well-used water sat in the eating area for every child to wash in.

There are organizations that go into developing areas to dig wells and establish safe drinking water. These organizations rely on private donations to implement their programs. We have a sponsored child in Ethiopia whose community has benefited from World Vision’s program. Sponsoring a child is one way to help. Some of you are able to adopt a child internationally from one of these areas to help. I am certain that you come away forever changed by your eyewitness encounter. Those of us without daily concerns for our drinking water are so blessed.

Related Links:
The United Nations. Millennium Development Goals Report 2007.
UNICEF and IRC. Water Sanitation and Hygiene Education for Schools: Roundtable Proceedings and Framework for Action.
World Health Organization. Meeting the MDG Drinking Water and Sanitation Target: A Mid-Term Assessment of Progress.


The photo was actually taken in Kenya at the orphanage.
Written permission from Paul and Tina Meek on November 14, 2007.