Clean water helps prevent malnutrition, recurrent diarrhoea, and impaired child development. Bottle-fed infants can be exposed to the effects of unsafe drinking water. Intervening in water supplies can reduce child mortality rates by 65% (Water and sanitation, n.d.). It is important for all families to receive clean and drinkable water in order to provide proper growth and extend life expectancy.
According to a study in 2004, only 40% of the rural Cambodian population had access to safe drinking water (Clean water project, n.d.). The water that they have access to is often contaminated with bacteria and polluted with waste. Many organizations, such as UNICEF, contribute to the aim to provide safe drinking water to places, such as Cambodia. A UNICEF-funded well was recently built in the Cambodian village of Phoum Thom and now provides 10 families with water that is safe to drink, cook with, and wash with (Degan, n.d.). The water and sanitation access allows schools to keep toilets clean and hygienic as well, which enables more children to stay in primary schools. This allows children to have a greater chance for a more well-rounded education, which, in the long term, also contributes to a better economy for Cambodia. Upon visiting Cambodia, it was evident that many families were faced with hardships and poverty. Helping build houses and work with the orphanages in Cambodia has allowed me to understand what more needs to be done, especially in terms of health for young children. Those that have access to water wells may not even meet WHO standards and create hazardous environments for many families (Aguilar, 2009).
I hope that I will be able to make an impact on even just one child's life, whether they are fortunate to have access to health benefits and safe drinking water or not. I would like the opportunity to work with children in less fortunate circumstances, in developing countries such as Cambodia, and hopefully be able to provide an adequate learning experience for the children whilst providing them with safe environments, enabling them to study.
References:
Aguilar, M. (2009). Access to safe drinking water in Cambodia: Available sources and point‐of‐use Water treatment. BAMA.
Clean Water Project. (n.d.). Journeys Within Our Community. Retrieved from http://www.journeyswithinourcommunity.org/projects/clean-water/clean-water-project/
Degan, G. (n.d.). Lack of adequate sanitation triggers child health concerns in Cambodia. UNICEF. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/cambodia_39558.html
Water and sanitation. (n.d.). World Health Organization. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/ceh/risks/cehwater2/en/index.html
UNICEF is doing great work around the world. They are also providing immunizations to children in Haiti. Like immunizations, clean water is something we take for granted.
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