WASHINGTON, March 22 InterAction joins other U.S.-based non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in calling for the United States government to commit available resources to solve the world's growing water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) crisis. World Water Day provides us with an opportunity to focus attention on the fact that millions of people in the developing world lack access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.
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Access to clean water and basic sanitation are crucial building blocks for development. Solving the crisis would improve the quality of life and health, advance education, drive economies, reduce poverty and contribute to gender equality and dignity.
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Cost-effective solutions actually exist. They include hand-dug wells, harvesting rainwater to use for drinking, protecting springs, water filtering and purification. All would require partnerships with local communities--especially with women and girls--to ensure the population has the skills and support it needs to establish and sustain these projects.
The U.S. government should contribute to the global effort to save hundreds of thousands of lives each year by doubling its commitment to water and sanitation, and integrating solutions to the water, sanitation and hygiene crisis with child survival interventions. It is an investment in future generations worth making.
About InterAction: InterAction is the largest alliance U.S.-based nongovernmental international humanitarian relief and development organizations with more than 190 members. Our members operate in every developing country, working with local communities to overcome poverty and suffering by helping to improve their quality of life. www.interaction.org
Read more about the diverse coalition of water, sanitation, hygiene and health organizations working together to solve the global water, sanitation and hygiene crisis at www.worldwater.org
SOURCE InterAction
