McDermott to speak at water benefit for Iraq
Congressman Jim McDermott will be the guest speaker at a June 14th benefit breakfast to help get safe water to the people of Iraq. "All of the gains we make to assure survival of the world's children are at risk if we don't provide potable water," said McDermott. "Before the war in Iraq I saw the clinics in Basra struggling to deal with diarrhea in children who already were weakened by malnutrition caused by the sanctions. Water is the element most important for the survival of the Iraqi people."
The breakfast, which will be held at Plymouth Congregational Church, is hosted by WaterPartners International and sponsored by the Church Council of Greater Seattle. The Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility have endorsed the event.
The biggest problem for the people in Iraq may not be the war. Unclean water may kill more Iraqis during the war than bombs and bullets, United Nations officials warn. In southern Iraq, as many as 1.5 million people lack access to a safe water supply. Already the shortage of safe water has caused deadly outbreaks of cholera and typhoid.
In April, WaterPartners International inaugurated a program to address the water crisis in Iraq. WaterPartners International has more than a decade of experience bringing sustainable safe water supply systems to people in developing countries. All of the projects they have supported are still in operation. Given the fact that 50 to 75% of water projects, large or small scale, fail in the developing world, this is a phenomenal track record.
"We are compelled to turn our experience and expertise to the emerging water crisis in Iraq," said Gary White, executive director of WaterPartners International. "It is important that we act now because immediate access to safe water will save lives."
"As with all of our projects we will work through local partner organizations that have a proven track record and that are capable of quickly and efficiently meeting the immediate water needs. We will also look to organizations that have the expertise to shape long-term solutions," said WaterPartners' Director of International Programs Marla Smith-Nilson. More information may be found at WaterPartners website
Additional News, see benefits of drinking water.
Author Notes:
Dustin Cyril contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.water-purification-filters.com.
Get educated on the benefits of water purification systems and different water filters available.
|
