In the world’s poorest countries, approximately 1.1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and even more than that do not have adequate sanitation. More than 2 million people, mostly children, die each year from preventable waterborne illnesses.

These sobering facts inspire the Millennium Water Alliance (MWA), a consortium of leading nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), to strive toward our goal to help 500 million people obtain water and basic sanitation by 2015. Our vision mirrors our belief that no one should die or suffer chronic illness as the result of a water-related disease.

MWA operates on two fronts — hands-on programs and advocacy. MWA partners coordinate their extensive program expertise in water supply, sanitation, hygiene training and community development and work together with the counsel of UNICEF to share information and resources and set the standards for best practices within a country. MWA is also an advocate for policies and resources, informing legislators and citizens alike about water as a basic human need.