Deaths from waterborne diseases need attention

The May 30 article “Baby treated at UI Hospitals dies after return to Haiti” brings attention to the tragedy caused by waterborne disease worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that 4,000 people die each day of waterborne disease; most vulnerable are children under the age of 5.

To put the issue in perspective, the Haitian government estimates that 360,000 people died in the earthquake that struck their country in 2010. The story was in the press for months and millions of dollars were donated to help the victims. Yet waterborne diseases kill an estimated 250,000 people worldwide each month or around 3 million people per year, and the public rarely hears anything about it.

In addition to the lives lost, there are debilitating diseases that impact household incomes for several days each year or permanently due to water-induced disabilities. The Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council estimates that water-related illnesses cost the Indian economy 73 million working days per year. There is also the time required to fetch water that could be used earning money for the family. The WHO estimates that in Africa, more than 40 billion work hours are spent each year fetching water that is often unsafe to drink.

There are numerous secular and faith-based organizations that can use our help to save lives through safe water and improved sanitation. Organizations such as Water For People, Robin's Song and Engineers Without Borders are just a Google away. Most organizations have ways to help and several have opportunities for short-term trips overseas.

Mark Cramer

Cedar Rapids