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Washington, DC -- In observance of World Water Day 2005, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced that over 9.5 million people now have better access to clean water and approximately 11.5 million people have access to adequate sanitation because of President Bush's U.S. Water for the Poor Initiative. This program improves fresh water management in over 70 developing countries. USAID is ahead of target to meet its commitment of providing $970 million for the initiative over three years.
Over one billion people on the planet lack adequate access to clean and safe water, and over two billion are without appropriate sanitation facilities. Others have access to clean water, but because of improper storage and handling it later becomes unsafe.
"Both long-term improvements in infrastructure and immediate safe-water solutions to treat and safely store water at the household level are critical," said USAID Administrator Andrew S. Natsios. "Innovative private sector financing for water and sanitation programs are key to both short and long-term solutions. USAID is leveraging these public and private investments to guarantee that water, an essential building block for civilization, is available to all."
Private corporation and government alliances are being used to support many of these programs. Since 2002, USAID has invested $1 billion in over 290 alliances in 98 countries, which is matched by over $3 billion in private funds.
In addition to water supply, USAID is supporting key hygiene programs that have a major public health impact. These programs advocate hand washing, the proper use of latrines, water disinfection and safe storage at the household level. USAID supports efforts to make sure water is safe to drink in development, conflict and emergency situations, such as the tsunami affected areas or in the rebuilding of Iraq.
For more information on USAID, please visit www.usaid.gov
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