Cameroon is a country where water crisis has become a critical issue that affects the population, especially those of rural communities and slum areas. The population of Cameroon is estimated at about 30,000,000 people, with 70% living in rural and slum areas. These communities lack access to portable water which is a basic human right. The overall goal is to ameliorate the living conditions of the population through the provision of clean, safe and reliable water to needy communities.

Challenge

Children often bear the burden of walking miles each day to find water in streams and ponds, full of water-borne disease that is making them and their families sick. Illness and the time lost fetching it robs entire communities of their futures. The % of infant death and miscarriages that occurs each year cannot be determined but significantly higher, due to the fact that children drink dirty water and pregnant women carry water on head every day and walk a distance of at least 3kms.

Long-Term Impact

The program will increase access to clean water and sanitation services to over 15000 Cameroonians and children in approximately 30 villages, 15 schools and 10 health centers respectively and helps to: 1. Significantly reduce infant mortality caused by water borne diseases. 2. Significantly reduce the level of miscarriages resulting from carrying water on head by pregnant women. 3. Keeps children in school and significantly improves academic performance. 4. Improves community health/well-being.

References

1. https://www.iaa-africa.org
2. https://www.iaa-africa.org/author/integrated-agricultural-association/
3. https://www.oneyoungworld.com/news-items/ambassador-spotlights-april-2022