Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) commemorates World Water Day 2007. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Coping With the Scarcity of Water”.
Worldwide, 2.6 billion people suffer from daily water shortages and struggle to access safe water for their basic needs. In developing countries, more than 4,000 children die from each day from preventable, water-borne diseases such as typhoid, hepatitis, and diarrhea. More than a billion people do not have a sufficient supply of drinking water.
Through ERD’s primary health care programs, we are committed to helping communities access safe drinking water and improve hygiene practices. ERD works in partnership with local communities around the world to secure a safe supply of groundwater, protect springs, dig wells and teach vital education on sanitary practices. In working toward the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) #7, which is to guarantee environmental sustainability, ERD is helping reduce the number of people who lack availability to potable water.
“All over the world, appropriate water and sanitation management has been the primary key to reducing illness, particularly for children under five,” said Abagail Nelson, ERD’s Vice President for Programs.
In partnership with the Anglican Diocese of Angola, ERD is working in the southern district of Cunene to build wells that will serve as a clean water source for six villages in the region. Construction of latrines and proper hygiene methods will be taught to build awareness of good health and nutrition.
In Haiti, ERD and the Diocese of Haiti are helping residents in a rural area of the country develop agricultural techniques through watershed recovery, reforestation and terracing. The program works to alleviate the effects of environmental deterioration caused by hurricanes and drought.
To make a contribution to Episcopal Relief and Development’s Clean Water Fund, please visit http://www.er-d.org/ or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, c/o Clean Water Fund, PO Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.
Episcopal Relief and Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. An independent 501(c) (3) organization, ERD saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world. ERD’s programs work toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals. We provide emergency assistance in times of crisis and rebuild after disasters. We enable people to climb out of poverty by offering long-term solutions in the areas of food security and health care, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.
