Child Decelopment and Public Health- Access to Healthy Water

The place where a child is born will be determinant in her life and death. If she sees the first day of light in a household without running water and a toilet facility, she will be more likely to die from risks associated to poor environmental conditions (Fuentas, 2006). I chose this topic because access to healthy water is vital and it is essential to our health and well-being. We will not adequately thrive without having connections to clean water. Interestingly enough South Africa boast one of the most clean water systems in the world; however, due to the lack of sanitation and access in the country's rural communities the threat of water borne disease is steadily increasing. The Vaal River, the largest river in South Africa is becoming increasingly contaminated with fecal material due to the lack of sanitation supplies (The Water Project, 2006-2012). Women are traditionally responsible for collecting water in South Africa. The walk may take hours to and from; however, it is still not enough water to abundantly care for a household. This topic is meaningful to me because water is regarded as a human right in our country as well as in South Africa. It saddens me to know that children are at risks of deprivation of healthy water. As simple as it may sound, some countries cannot provide their families with something as plain as clean water. Children should not have to worry about where their next glass of water will come from; however, the problem exists. I always admired those who visited other countries as well as calling upon the issues in the United States, and implementing methods to help decrease the problems that children experience in regards to their health and well-being. I am even more encouraged to implement ways on how I can make a difference and help a child in need, in order to improve their lifestyle and environment.


Reference:
        
          Ricardo Fuentes, Tobias Pfutze and Papa Seck (2006). Does Access to Water and Sanitation Affect Child Survival? A Fiv Country Analysis. Human Development Report, 2006.

          Water in Crisis- Spotlight South Africa www.thewaterproject.org/water-in-crisis-south-africa.php