Every child deserves access to water that won’t make them sick
Jodi Carlson, World Vision US.
For the 703 million people lacking basic drinking water access today, relief continues to remain out of reach. In the year 2024, we are living in the middle of a global water crisis. Even with all the world’s modern advances, every day, grieving family members lay to rest more than 1,000 children under 5 who’ve died from diseases related to lack of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.
The pain is deep and the need is significant. Susan knows this full well.
Dirty water robs life
In Zambia, Susan and her husband struggle to provide for their family. Despite chest pains and an injured leg, Susan walks each day to gather water for her seven children and three grandchildren. During the dry season, Susan walks two hours to reach the nearest stream — and three hours to return home due to the additional weight of the water.
Sadly, the water she brings home is filled with dangerous bacteria. Her children become sick with extreme diarrhea — so much so that Kelvin, her 5-year-old son, pictured above by the water trough, has suffered from malnutrition for the past two years. “Often, I do cry, even when I go get water, I cry,” she says.
Many other mothers experience the same heartbreak. And the global water crisis disproportionately affects women and girls — the need to haul water for their families robs them not only of the present, but their future as well.
To learn more, visit World Vision US.