INTRODUCTION: With the mission of sustainably improving the quality of life for vulnerable communities, the "Water Ambassador – Bringing Clean Water to Communities" program has always been one of the key and ongoing initiatives of MSD United Way Vietnam.
PURPOSE: Building clean water facilities in schools and communities to ensure hygiene and health for residents, especially children in mountainous, rural, and disadvantaged areas of Vietnam.
SHARE
THANKS FROM THE COMMUNITY
Each clean water project brings joy and happiness to the community. Please listen to the sharing from Mr. Vi Van Luyen, the community group leader of Pua Lai village: "On behalf of the villagers, I would like to thank the donors for bringing clean water to the people. I also hope that in the future, the donors will continue to have programs to help the community overcome difficulties."
HOW ARE PEOPLE AND CHILDREN AFFECTED WHEN THEY LACK CLEAN WATER FOR DRINKING AND DAILY ACTIVITIES ?
LACK OF CLEAN WATER has a major challenge affecting children in rural areas of Vietnam. Numerous scientific studies have proven that malnutrition is directly related to poor water sources and sanitation. According to the national nutrition survey results in 2019, the rate of MALNUTRITION in children under 5 year old in Viet Nam is 19,6% and this rate in ethnic minority children is above 30%.
The lack of clean water will harm people's health every day as parasites in water can cause various diseases. In particular, children under the age of 5 are the most vulnerable group to contract diseases.Diarrhea is one of the most common causes of death in children under 5 years old, but it can be easily prevented with clean water, proper sanitation, and nutritious food.
Have one A CLEAN WATER PROJECT Ensuring sanitation can improve the lives of people, especially women and girls – who often have to carry water home multiple times a day. Many girls and young women are not able to receive an education and are instead tasked with fetching water. This is one of the reasons why they often marry early and have limited opportunities to pursue careers and employment development.
Helping communities improve access to clean water and basic sanitation, while promoting good hygiene, is how MSD United Way Vietnam contributes to combating gender inequality. By reducing the time women spend carrying water, the initiative also improves educational prospects for their daughters.
