The Water Crisis in Uganda
Clean water is a basic necessity for human survival, yet millions of people around the world, especially in developing countries, lack access to it.
Uganda is just one country where the water crisis has reached alarming levels: more than 23 million Ugandas currently lack access to safe and clean water. What this really means is that not only is the health of the people severely impacted, but they also experience far-reaching economic, educational, and social consequences.
Acts for Water is committed to addressing this crisis and making clean water accessible to the people of Uganda.
The water crisis in Uganda has severe consequences for the country’s economy. According to the World Bank, Uganda loses an estimated 2.2% of its GDP annually due to poor water and sanitation. This loss is mainly due to the high cost of treating water-borne diseases, such as cholera and typhoid. Due to the lack of clean water, it’s challenging to maintain good hygiene, which is crucial in preventing the spread of diseases. And then the resulting poor health leads to missed days of work or school, resulting in lost income and reduced productivity.
Many Ugandans also experience inequality and a decrease in education because of the water crisis. Women and girls, who are primarily responsible for collecting water in many Ugandan households, are disproportionately affected by the water crisis as they spend many hours each day collecting water from distant and often unsafe sources, leaving them with little time for education or income-generating activities. Additionally, schools in many parts of Uganda lack clean water, sanitation facilities, and handwashing stations, which poses a significant risk to the health of students and teachers and can lead to absenteeism and poor academic performance.
You can make an impact on the water crisis by joining with Acts for Water to provide clean water sources and improve sanitation facilities in communities, health clinics, and schools.
Clean water access and hygiene training not only improves the health of individuals but also has far-reaching economic, educational, and social benefits. By reducing the prevalence of water-borne diseases, more people can remain healthy and productive, and families can save money on medical expenses. And, providing clean water sources can reduce the time spent collecting water, particularly for women and girls, allowing them to focus on education and income-generating activities.