Today, 1 in 9 people lack access to safe water and 1 in 3 people lack access to a toilet. This results in a child dying every 2 minutes from contracting waterborne diseases.
For over ten years, the Ali Asghar Water Appeal has strived to provide better access to water for many water scarce communities. This year, we aim to further build long-term sustainable water solutions across communities in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Kenya.
This Muharram, help us give vulnerable communities access to water and work towards an end to a crisis that causes disease, hinders economies, restricts development and disproportionately affects women and children.
With your help, WF-AID wants to reduce the number of unnecessary deaths caused by poor sanitation and unsafe water.
MUHARRAM 1440
During the Holy month of Muharram, many of us will use this time to reflect, pray and remember the important sacrifices made by Imam Husayn (as) and his family during the tragic events at Karbala.
We are also reminded of the loss of Imam Husayn’s (as) six-month-old baby, Hazrat Ali Asghar (as), who was deprived access to water, along with other men, women and children at the camp.
As we remember Imam Husayn (as) and the children of Karbala, donate this Muhurram and gain the blessings of these Sadaqah Jaaryiah (ongoing charity) projects by helping us provide clean water to thousands of deserving people in the name of Hazrat Ali Asghar (as).
You can contribute to our long-term water solutions by donating as little as £100 or by setting up a regular giving Direct Debit or Paypal Subscription from just £25 a month. Donate now.
And with our Zero% Admin Policy, you can be assured that all of your donation will go towards supporting this appeal.
THE FACTS
Even in 2018, the lack of clean water and hygiene facilities has a hugely detrimental impact on the health, education and livelihoods of billions of people around the world.
844 million people don’t have clean water close to home (WHO/UNICEF)
2.3 billion people don’t have a decent toilet of their own (WHO/UNICEF)
Every 2 minutes a child dies from infection caused by lack of safe water and an unclean environment (WHO)
WHERE WE WORK
Pakistan
Areas of Pakistan are extremely prone to drought and lack basic water infrastructure. In rural Pakistan, where one-third of the population resides, there is restricted access to adequate sanitation services and safe drinking water, and many are left to find water from stagnant ponds or contaminated supplies. With over 22 million people not having access to water close to home, many need to travel miles, often alone and exposed to attacks and abuse, just to fetch water.
Bangladesh
The Rohingya refugee crisis has left nearly 1 million Rohingya people currently sheltering in refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh after fleeing ethnic cleansing. Living in makeshift shelters tightly packed together, in a country already lacking in access to safe water and sanitation for its already densely populated lands, access to many basic resources including water has been scarce for these families.
Kenya
With a population of 46 million, more than half population suffer from poor sanitation and rely access to water from unsafe water sources. These challenges are especially evident in the rural areas and the urban slums, leaving people to find their own ways of searching for appropriate solutions to these basic needs. For school-aged children it’s a burden that traps them in poverty.
WATER IS LIFE
Water connects every aspect of life. Access to safe water and sanitation can quickly turn problems into potential – unlocking education, work opportunities and improved health for women, children and families across the world.
Clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene are vital for living a dignified, healthy life.
“When the good-doers will be rewarded on the day of Judgement, the beginning will be made with those who served water to a thirsty person.”
IMAM ALI (as)
Al-Kafi (Shaykh al-Kulayni)
vol. 4, p57, hadith no. 1
