World Water Day - March 22, 2010

"We shall not finally defeat AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, or any of the other infectious diseases that plague the developing world until we have also won the battle for safe drinking-water, sanitation and basic health care."

Kofi Annan, United Nations Secretary-General

March 22, 2010 is World Water Day. Established by the UN in 2005, this is a day to bring awareness to the world and help get people active and involved in addressing the issue of water in the developing and developed countries.

Here are some facts:

■ 1.1 billion people (17% of the global population) lacked access to improved water sources.
■ Over half of the world's population has access to improved water through household connections or yard taps.
■ Of the 1.1 billion without improved water sources, nearly two thirds live in Asia.
■ In sub-Saharan Africa, 42% of the population is still without improved water supply.
■ Between 2002 and 2015, the world's population is expected to increase every year by 74.8 million people.
■ 88% of diarrheal disease is attributed to unsafe water supply, inadequate sanitation and hygiene.
■ Improved water supply reduces diarrhea morbidity between 6% and 25%, if severe outcomes are included.
■ Improved sanitation reduces diarrhea morbidity by 32%.
■ Hygiene interventions including hygiene education and promotion of hand washing can lead to a reduction of diarrheal cases by up to 45%.
■ Improvements in drinking-water quality through household water treatment, such as chlorination at point-of-use, can lead to a reduction of diarrhea episodes between 35% and 39%.
■ Improper planning of dam and irrigation projects has led to rapid intensification of transmission of malaria and schistosomiasis; for example, in development areas of the Senegal River Basin schistosomiasis prevalence shot up from 0 to 90% in a period of less than 2 years.

Why should we care? I would like to answer this question with a question... Why did Jesus care? In Matthew 25 we are called to action and told of our charter. Care for the poor! Give water to the thirsty! Give of ourselves if we are to receive the gift of life in return.

One day each year the world comes together to make a statement and show we care. Children need water to survive. This year we are asking you to get involved! Take action! Organize a fund raising event! Ask your church if you can take a special donation for World Water Day.

Give of your time and your talents.

Please help.