The ongoing water crisis in Africa leaves 40 percent of the population without access to safe drinking water. Sub-Saharan Africa is most impacted due to a lack of access to clean water sources. What does this mean for the millions of men, women, and children who live in these water-scarce areas? It means that these vulnerable families do not have sanitary water to drink, cook, or bathe. It also means millions of people become ill and die each year from scarce or contaminated water sources.
Water Scarcity in Africa
Lack of clean water in Africa has had a traumatic impact on public health. In a global study published by the United Nations, unsafe water was found to be responsible for study published by the United Nations, unsafe water was found to be responsible for approximately 30 percent of deaths and 80 percent of diseases in developing countries. Water scarcity has been linked to a wide range of illnesses and diseases, such as typhus, plague, and trachoma. Unclean water dramatically increases the risk of diarrheal diseases, such as typhoid fever, dysentery, and cholera. A lack of water also forces people to store water in their home. This increases the risk of water contamination and provides a breeding environment for disease-carrying mosquitoes.
How You Can Get Involved
By getting involved with charities for Africa, such as The Last Well, you can do your part to help end the lack of clean water in Africa. There are many ways that people can get involved. Students can raise money for the cause in their local neighborhoods. Schools can hold fundraisers on campus, and companies can pledge profits. Some even travel to Africa to aid communities directly by helping build dams, dig wells, educate families, and offer the gospel. For those who cannot help physically or financially, simply sharing the cause or sending prayers can make a big difference in the lives of African families.
Here are just a few ways to get involved:
- Start a Fundraiser. A fundraising event is an effective way to raise money for an important cause. While you can start a fundraiser for any reason at all, you can often get more people involved by setting a theme. For example, start a Birthday Fundraiser and ask for donations in lieu of gifts. Running a marathon, going skydiving, or participating in another sporting event? Consider starting a Sports Fundraiser.
- Share on Social Media. Social media is one of the best ways to share information and reach the masses. A free and easy way to get involved with a charity for Africa is to simply share information about the cause on your social media platforms. Consider ‘liking’ The Last Well on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube, and ‘follow’ us on Twitter. You can also share our posts, videos, and pictures on your social media accounts.
- Shop through Amazon Smile. You probably already shop on Amazon on occasion. Before making your next purchase, consider shopping through Amazon Smile. Amazon has made it possible to support The Last Well when you make your purchases through Amazon Smile. There is no additional cost to you and Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to our charity for Africa.
- Donate Directly. If you are not interested in starting a fundraiser but still want to get involved, consider making a one-time donation to the cause.
The Last Well aims to reach the entire nation of Liberia with safe drinking water and the gospel by the end of 2020. Contact The Last Well today to learn more about how you can get involved.
