World water day: are filters the future?

From Global development | The Guardian Sat Mar 22 2014, 08:00:00

780 million people still lack access to clean drinking water. A new breed of filter could change that but must be made more affordable alongside wider sanitation efforts

Since 1990 more than 2 billion people have gained access to improved water sources. It's a huge achievement that has saved thousands of lives, but the biggest challenge will be getting water to the remaining 780 million, many of whom live in the most remote and underdeveloped places on earth.

Another considerable but necessary task is to provide clean water to those hit by humanitarian disasters. According to the UK government, diseases caused by dirty water and poor sanitation account for 80% of deaths in children under two during humanitarian emergencies.

One easy to deliver solution that NGOs are now using is the Sawyer water filter. The simple system, which comprises a bucket with a thin hose attached to a nozzle, can clean a million gallons of water. Given that a child needs only 14,600 gallons in a lifetime, the system can offer clean water for life.

[view whole blog post ]
 See More    |     Report Abuse


You might also be interested in the following news stories:

South Africa:  ANC Veteran Disappointed Over State Capture Leaders on Party List - South African News Briefs - May 1, 2024 (news)
allAfrica.com
1 Mai 2024

  ANC Veteran Disappointed Over State Capture Leaders on Party List African National Congress veteran Mavuso Msimang recently re-engaged with the ruling party after a brief resignation, primarily ... [read more]

Senegal:  Senegalese Unions Voice Demands On First Labour Day March in Four Years (news)
Radio France Internationale
1 Mai 2024

After four years without a May Day parade because of Covid-19and other strategic reasons, Senegal has organised a rally for Labour Day this year. This will be President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's first ... [read more]

East Africa:  Former Rwandan Opposition Leader Asks Court to Allow Her Run in Elections (news)
Radio France Internationale
1 Mai 2024

Rwanda's historic opposition leader, Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, has filed a case before the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) seeking a re-establishment of her civic rights, including the right to ... [read more]



blogAfrica is allAfrica.com's platform to help you keep an ear on the African blogosphere. We draw diverse voices from around the world who post regularly and insightfully about African issues. Bloggers, submit your blog's rss-feed!