Bring Safe Water to School Kids in Vietnam

Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, we were able to fully fund 31 LifeStraw safe water systems for rural communities in Thua Thien-Hue Province in Central Vietnam in 2016. The systems have recently been installed in preschools, primary schools and health clinics to make them more accessible to the whole family. This will help to reinforce healthy food and hygiene habits throughout the entire community, and enable kids to stay in school instead of spending sick time at home with diarrheal illnesses. This happens very frequently in communities with no improved water sources: even if the water looks "clean" and could be fine for household duties, it might still not be safe to drink. 

According to Procter & Gamble's nonprofit organization Children's Safe Drinking Water, "over 1,000 children die every day as a result of diseases that cause diarrhea. More children die of diarrheal illnesses such as cholera, dysentery and typhoid fever, than from HIV/AIDS and malaria combined." Even diarrhea itself can be deadly, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children and the elderly. In a world that is rapidly becoming more industrialized with access to water greatly increasing, many people still die from water-related diseases. 

MEDRIX pairs the installation of safe (not just clean) water systems with community health education, that are led by local leaders that already well-respected in their communities. They know children and families on an individual basis and are able to deliver meaningful change and education. This truly shapes generations to come as families learn healthier hygiene and water habits, and understand the importance of safe water in everyday life. Kids finish their education without unnecessary sick days interrupting their learning. Parents stay healthy and don't suffer from preventable illnesses. And elderly family members get to enjoy their last days with health and peace. 

Your support of our education and water projects in Central Vietnam truly does make a difference. Children and their families have access to safe water, free from bacteria that causes illnesses, in at least one area of their village. They learn the importance of food safety and safe water for cooking and handwashing. And our local partners are able to tailor their community outreach efforts to provide people with the knowledge that is relevant to their daily lives, right now. 

We sincerely thank you for your continued support of MEDRIX as we continue to fund safe water projects in Thua Thien-Hue Province in Central Vietnam!

Links:

• Our Safe Water Projects