Sub-Saharan Africa has the greatest need for safe water due to large vulnerable populations, such as those debilitated by HIV/AIDS, displaced refugees and communities with destabilized infrastructures resulting from civil unrest. MWA is undertaking this challenge with initial programs in Ethiopia and Kenya, which are being funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the State Department, foundations, businesses and MWA members. MWA operating principles common to all programs include:
• Improvement of access to safe water, sanitation and health and hygiene training within the community.
• Partnerships with local NGOs to create program models that can be replicated.
• Empowerment of women and other marginalized groups so that their interests are heard and respected.
• Decentralized project design, training and implementation involving communities, organizations and government at the local level.
• Long-term improvement of communities’ capacity to sustain integrated solutions for water, hygiene and sanitation using contextually appropriate technology.
• Educational curriculum that takes into account wider water resource issues such as conservation and pollution.
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