In the lead up to World Water Day cuts to U.S. foreign assistance put clean water programs at risk.
Posted March 7, 2011 in Health and the Environment, U.S. Law and Policy
The Senate stands poised to take votes on the Congressional budget which include cuts to key programs that endanger health in America and abroad. My colleagues have blogged on the budget cuts that threaten our clean air and efforts to combat the impacts of climate change and more here.
Included in the proposed budget cuts are significant cuts to foreign aid and humanitarian assistance including funding for clean water and sanitation programs. While foreign aid makes up a small percentage of the overall budget - Obama proposed $47 billion for Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development - programs directed at provision of basic water and sanitation account for only about $300 million dollars. Nevertheless those funds are critical to provide life-saving clean water for communities with little or no access.
Clean water and safe sanitation is fundamental for health and development. Diseases caused by water-related diseases kill more children each year than AIDS, Malaria and TB combined. However investments in clean water help children to stay healthy, to go to school and to lead productive lives. The WHO estimates that for every dollar we invest in clean water eight dollars are returned in increased productivity and decreased health care costs. These are investments that make up a small but vital part of our budget and must be protected.
This month, World Water Day will be celebrated around the globe on March 22nd. You can join in the celebrations and take action to make sure that programs to provide clean water are protected. To find out more about World Water Day check out www.waterday.com or send a message to Congress to tell them you support wise investments in clean water.
