Clinton Global Initiative commits millions to water and sanitation

Safe water equals better health. Members at the recent annual meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) have taken this equation seriously, announcing their aspirations to improve access to quality water and health care for 8.5 million people across the world.

The commitments in sum totaled over $400 million and extend over the next five years. “Addressing the world water crisis is an immense challenge that requires a partnership of resources and expertise,” said Gary White, executive director and co-founder of WaterPartners — an organization partnered with PepsiCo to provide micro-credit solutions to people in Asia.

According to a CGI press release, the initiative members acknowledge that water is the source of life. “Without clean water and sanitation people get sick, children miss school: the cycle of poverty is perpetuated indefinitely. This crisis will become even more deadly as water scarcity becomes more acute and leads to violent conflicts,” CGI said. Their current focus on water and sanitation responds to this crisis.

Fifteen members made major commitments:

Aquaya Institute offered $25,000 for a community-level trial of the PUR Purifier of Water in Africa over the course of one year.

Estamos announced $2 million to provide 100% Access to Water and Sanitation in 50 villages in Africa over three years.

Global Action and the Heinrich Family Foundation has plans to implement safe water interventions in Tanzania over two years with $550,000.

Global Water Challenge committed $25 million toward Changemakers for Water and Sanitation in Africa and Asia over the next three to five years.

The Hesperian Foundation and the Kind World Foundation pledged $4.1 million to Empowering Communities with Water, Health, & Hygiene Education in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean over three to five years.

Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. committed $300 million to fund a Crofelemer Pediatric Access Program Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean for seven to eight years.

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) announced its $65.8 million commitment for over half a decade to Protecting Maternal-Child Health with Nutrition and Water.

Population Services International (PSI) said it would put $1.6 million toward Saving Kids Lives through Integrated Health Packages, a four-year commitment.

Procter & Gamble (P&G) announced a two-year, $18.5 million project in North America and Europe, Children’s Safe Drinking Water: Help Us Share.

OneXOne Foundation and H2O Africa pledged $1 million for one year to Securing the Building Block of Life: Water in Africa

Safe Water Network and PepsiCo Foundation offered $3.5 million for three years to optimize safe, affordable water solutions across Africa and Asia.

Sulabh International Social Service Organization has plans for $2 million over five years across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean to increasing access to sustainable sanitation facilities.

WaterPartners International and PepsiCo Foundation committed three years and $4.1 million to Asia for WaterCredit: Catalyzing Access to Safe Water and Sanitation.

Water Supply & Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) offered $30 million in contributions to the Global Sanitation Fund for three years to Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Read more about this year’s Clinton Global Initiative commitments here.

Source: Clinton Global Initiative