Clean Water Update

Few things are more vital to health than clean water, yet this precious resource is out of reach for one of every three people on earth, according to the World Health Organization. In desperation, they are forced to rely on unsafe drinking water that can cause life-threatening diarrheal diseases. In addition, improper water storage can create breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes. Cholera, typhoid fever, malaria, and dysentery claim millions of lives every year – sadly, the majority of victims are children.

We know that the provision of clean water through wells and capped springs can prevent the majority of these deaths.

IMA World Health is committed to providing healthcare services and supplies to vulnerable and marginalized people in the developing world. Our Clean Water Program provides safe drinking water to nearly 500,000 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Here are some of our latest initiatives.

Vanga Health Zone: Half of the population of nearly 250,000 in this rural health zone lack access to clean drinking water. Because of this, many of them had been forced to relocate. Some of the people left behind had begun drinking from the contaminated river, which was contributing to waterborne diseases.

Gifts to IMA's Clean Water program mean 30 clean water systems are currently being developed within this zone. They will provide clean drinking water for more than 100,000 people, and will vastly improve their health and well-being.

Vanga Hospital: One of the largest healthcare facilities hospitals in the DRC, this 350-bed teaching hospital serves a population of 150,000 and is often stretched far beyond its capacity. The existing plumbing system has deteriorated significantly over the years. Water tanks are decayed and pipes are blocked, leading to a lack of water for the patients and workers there. A pump was being used to draw water, which was then hand-carried to storage drums by hospital workers. However, the fuel needed for the pump was growing far too expensive for everyday use. In desperation, the hospital turned to IMA for help.

A complete renovation of the Vanga Hospital's plumbing system, made possible by gifts to IMA's Clean Water Program, will relieve healthcare workers of the burden of pumping and carrying water, and allow them to focus solely on providing vital medical care to their patients.

Ngondi Mission: More than 22,000 people will be served by six water sources at this facility in the Masi-Manimba Territory, where poverty is being battled through long-term agricultural development programs. These water sources will help Ngondi Mission toward its goal of a 90-percent reduction in waterborne diseases in the population – diseases like typhoid fever, which contribute to the nation's high infant mortality rates.

These projects and many more are underway – but millions more need access to clean drinking water. IMA is unable to meet these urgent demands for water without your help. Please give today to IMA's Clean Water Program, and provide safe drinking water to people in the DRC.