By Gitonga Njeru in Kakamega, Kenya
A comprehensive program using LifeStraw
water purifiers to make contaminated water safe to drink is helping to reduce
diarrheal related diseases among school children in western Kenya. Water
diseases remain a problem in western Kenya provinces including Kakamega, and
Vihiga counties.
Vestergaard, the parent company of Lifestraw,
has developed, a high volume water purifier called LifeStraw Community that removes
more than 99.9 percent of microbiological contaminants found in water including
bacteria, pathogens and viruses. These cause waterborne illnesses such as
cholera and typhoid. With the LifeStraw purifier, the water is now safe to
drink.
.
During the first week of
November, Vestergaard distributed more than 2500 LifeStraw Community water
purifiers to 330 schools throughout western province that lack access to safe
water. School visits included installation of the LifeStraw purifiers, and
education for students and teachers on safe water practices.
Western Kenya, according to the
Ministry of Health, remains one of the most affected regions in the country
with serious water crisis problems. According to Dr. Shanaz Sharif, Director of
Medical Services, there are about 1.8 million people in Western Kenya,
including Kakamega, Vihiga, and Kimilili counties who lack clean water.
"The areas rain frequently so we
have had cases of typhoid, diarrhoea, dysentry and even cholera. People have
been drinking contaminated water. Some cases have resulted in deaths while
others have ended up being referred to hospitals such as Kenyatta National
Hospital. There are 1.8 million people who lack clean water in Western
Kenya", Dr. Shariff said during an interview.
"LifeStraw products
are distributed to schools free of charge,” explained Tara Lundy, head of
program implementation for LifeStraw. This is made possible through an ongoing
program by Vestergaard called Follow the Liters. Through this program, for each
LifeStraw product purchased by a consumer in North America or Europe, one school
child in western Kenya is provided with safe water for an entire school year.
This is the second year of
the Follow the Liters distribution of LifeStraw purifiers to the region.
“Combined with last
year’s distribution, more than 361,000 school aged children in the region now
have sustainable access to safe water,” explained Lundy.
LifeStraw filters water to U.S EPA
drinking water standards. The products require no electrical power or batteries
and are designed to last. Vestergaard local staff conduct follow-up visits to
the schools throughout the year to make sure that the LifeStraw purifiers are
well maintained and properly used.
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