03/17/09 - Water shortages around the world will reach crisis proportions in the not-too-distant future. Scarce water is already the source of many regional conflicts, especially in Africa and the Middle East. The authors of UNESCO's latest World Water Development Report, released every three years, warn that:

• Almost half of the world's population will face serious water shortages by 2030.
• Growing population, higher living standards, changes in diet, and increased biofuels production have created the water crisis.
• Poor governance, underinvestment, and a chronic lack of political support are obstacles to effective water management.

The full report is being presented this week at the Fifth World Water Forum in Istanbul.

SOS Children's Villages Helps Children in Water-Strapped Regions

The SOS Children's Village Waterfalls in Zimbabwe receives clean water after facing the country's outbreak of cholera

SOS Children's Villages, the world's largest charity devoted to providing loving homes to orphaned and abandoned children, operates villages in many parts of the world where water is scarce or unsafe to drink. Children in African and Middle Eastern countries are especially vulnerable to the health and, at times, political consequences of water scarcity.

Together with UNICEF, SOS Children's Villages in Zimbabwe has been working to distribute water containers, water purifying tablets, and soap to households living near one of SOS's three Children's Villages in that country. These items will help provide families with safe water for drinking and cooking. Distribution has already taken place at SOS-Waterfalls, located in a suburb of the capital, Harare. A member of the city's health department explained to families how to use the water-purifying tablets and how to remain safe during the current cholera outbreak.

SOS Aid Sorely Needed

Children play outside the SOS Kindergarten at the SOS Children's Village Waterfalls in Zimbabwe

The city's authorities do not appear to be taking steps to address the underlying cause of the outbreak, which is poor sewage management and inadequate provision of safe water. Emergency measures such as those undertaken by UNICEF and SOS are not sustainable and can only supply short-term relief for residents, says Gary Birditt, director for SOS Children's Villages Zimbabwe. Nonetheless, families are very grateful. Sylvester Tsikira, an unemployed widower caring for his children alone, remarked, "This is going to add more years to my and my children's life on this earth!"

SOS Children's Villages has been providing loving mothers and stable homes to Zimbabwe's needy children for more than twenty years. The SOS-Waterfalls Village comprises fifteen family houses and accommodates up to 180 children.

If you would like to help a boy or girl in Zimbabwe secure a warm home and a brighter future, consider sponsoring a child.