G8 Leaders Poo Poo Opportunity

Since the G8 met last year in Hokkaido, over 1.4 million children have died from diarrhea due to lack of safe drinking water and toilets. Today the leaders failed again to take steps to address this solvable global public health crisis and flushed yet another opportunity down the toilet to put the water and sanitation challenge on the international stage. A plan to ensure safe water and sanitation for Africa intended to be announced at this week's Summit has been postponed until the end of 2009.

Khumbuzile Zuma, a South African spokesperson for End Water Poverty had this to say about the G8 leaders neglect, inaction and failure to fulfill last year's promise,

This year's G8 has confirmed many people's worst fears that so many of the world's richest countries are prepared to run away from their commitments to the poor, such as those on aid and safe drinking water, at exactly the time they are needed most.

This year they had finally promised to tackle the global water and sanitation crisis that is responsible for almost 30% of all child deaths, but in reality nothing has been done that will make a difference to the lives of people in Africa. The best they could do was give themselves another six months to think about it.

How long must Africa wait for the right to use a safe toilet and drink clean water? Without addressing this we will never make the progress needed on ending hunger, reducing child deaths or getting children into school.

Perhaps most troubling is that failing to tackle the water and sanitation crisis is undermining progress on all development, including, food, health and education.

A WaterAid spokesperson attending the Summit, Oliver Cumming, had this to say,

President Obama and Gordon Brown have both announced substantial rescue packages to boost agriculture and alleviate chronic hunger. However food shortage is not the only cause of malnutrition -- over 50% of child malnutrition is caused by repeated bouts of diarrhea. Real, lasting improvements in malnutrition -- and in other crucial sectors such as health, education and economic prosperity -- cannot be delivered without addressing water and sanitation.

Across the developing world 1 billion people still defecate in the open; 3.5 billion don't wash hands with soap after defecation; 2.5 billion do not have a basic toilet; nearly 1 billion are without access to safe drinking water; 50% of schools lack access to water and sanitation. The story behind these statistics is that 1.4 million children die and billions are debilitated by water and sanitation-related diseases. This is a life or death emergency, which clearly the G8 leaders are avoiding, including President Obama who promised in his inauguration speech to "Let Clean Waters Flow" for poorer nations of the world.

Clearly G8 leaders would think twice about attending the Summit if there were no sparkling clean toilet facilities or safe drinking water. Hopefully the leaders will think about those that don't have access to these basics tomorrow when they need go.

Photo Credit: WaterAid / David Axelbank

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Comments

[minkaboo]

My mom said that Africa is like our brothers, born of different mothers. This changed the way I thought about the sufferings of people in Africa. If your brother is living badly off, wouldn't it be natural to help him? I agree. Seems like they are suffering b/c of civil wars, dictators, poor governance, and droughts -- factors that I think are caused by the legacy of colonization in this continent. People say, look at Korea, Japan, China-- why can't Africa be more like them? Well, these countries didn't face colonization from western nations. (Korea did of Japanese colonization from 1910-1945, and they were neighbors). Because of the legacy of colonializatiion, and America has a moral leadership role, I think we are morally obligated to help the people who are dying b/c of lack of clean sanitation and water. If everyone dies off in Africa, who will we have left in this planet?

[JanPassion]

How tragic it is that humanity can spend terrifying fortunes on war, and the preparation for war, and overlook the simplicity and necessity of ensuring that all the world has clean water?

[Nittaya Wilaithaeng]

This is probably the time for us to appreciate how much we have and be greatful while the other part of the world people don't even have water to drink or the proper sanitary. What else can we do to make the world aware of this problem? Can we stop just thinking about ourselve? Can we try to make this world a better place for all of us together instead. I wish you are one of us.

[Sinick]

Can you tell me why we have to spend resources worrying about the rest of the world when Massey is destroying a unique environment by blowing off the tops of mountains for cheap and polluting coal? Can you tell me Massey can run amok while simultaneously ruining the tenuous lives of the American citizens of West Virginia? Can you tell me why? . . . sigh . . .

I can tell you why -- $$$$. Let's focus on American's problems and invest our resources in improving our own dysfunctional country. Then the tried and true "trickle down" effect can take place. Once we get back on our feet, we'll have a few extra $$$$ to spend helping other countries.