Africa's Poor Water Quality

Many children and families today in Africa are suffering from a lack of drinking water. This is a very large public health issue in our time. Almost 1.1 billion people do not have safe access to drinking water, and there are nearly 4,500 children dying per day. People throughout the world can help make a safer and better water supply for the children of Africa and their families. However, today Africa is the most populous continent with the poorest water quality.

Africa is the second driest continent in the world. Lack of rainfall in the region keeps the available ground water to a minimum. People can get very serious illnesses from this poor drinking water. Unclean water carries bacteria and parasites harmful to people. Viruses, bacteria, and parasites are some causes of diarrhea. Children especially have a hard time fighting off these diseases. One of many illnesses that are carried in Africa’s water is diarrhea. This can cause many deaths and it is the third highest leading cause of death for children in Africa. People get infected with this disease by drinking contaminated water. This sickness is very dangerous to newborns and infants because it leads to dehydration which can kill a child within a few days. When you loose too much fluid and electrolytes, your body does not function properly. Electrolyte sources, which are good treatments for diarrhea, include pedialyte, ceralyte, and infalyte. However, most of the treatments are not available in many parts of developing Africa.

Three out of four Africans use ground water as their main supply of water. This could be a problem because ground water is not always available and most Africans do not have access to it. Women use water to bake, do laundry, and bathe their children (etc.) and men use it for agricultural recourses. Water is necessary for basic survival. Access to ground water sustains life for humans, plants, and animals. Some of these plants and animals are food sources for citizens of the region. Water is a main priority for not only Africa, but for the rest of the world too.

There are many ways how people from all over the world can help Africa gain access to a better and cleaner water source. One of many organizations that can help is the H2O Africa Foundation. This foundation raises awareness about the African water crisis. The co-founder of this organization (Matt Damon) funds clean water wells to the African civilization. This enhances the livelihood of communities within Africa. Countries from all over the world can help Africa by supporting these organizations with money and manpower. Africa is the second largest continent on earth and has a big of population. Humanitarian efforts from the rest of the world could help provide clean, fresh, and healthy water to the people of Africa.

About 20 million Africans have an unsafe water supply. Even though people throughout the world are making some effort to help Africa, it is progressing very slowly and remains a concern. This issue has become so bad that some parents are not able to provide for the children. If society worldwide could get more involved with this issue then there may not be as many deaths or illnesses. With the world’s help there can be healthier water for all families in Africa

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