Islamic Relief

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), one billion people lack access to safe drinking water and nearly half of the developing world’s population — 2.4 billion people — still do not have adequate sanitation. Without decent healthcare facilities, and with poor access to medical supplies, clean drinking water and health education, people fall ill and die from preventable diseases and health concerns.

To tackle this problem, Islamic Relief’s strategy aims to increase access to safe, clean drinking water and sanitation facilities. By working closely with local communities, we have established sustainable water sources, for example, by digging wells and setting up traditional water collection systems. Through training, communities are then empowered to manage these services.

By providing communities with cash, material and medical equipment, we can support the regeneration and building of health facilities. We are also helping these communities to improve preventive and curative health series, such as child immunisation, antenatal and postnatal care, and therapeutic care. Training and awareness-raising programmes for local health workers and community health committees help to increase knowledge of hygiene practices.

Water for Life in Kenya

Fatuma Dakane Muhumed, 42, comes from Libehiya in the Mandera district, which has been seriously affected by the recurring droughts. A mother of seven, she lives in cramped conditions in a single thatched hut with her children, her parents-in-law and her husband (the sole breadwinner) who works as a local labourer.

Access to food and water has been limited because of the droughts, and the family now has to survive without the milk and meat they used to enjoy. But the Water for Life project means Fatuma can now collect water easily to feed her family and livestock.

“Before we used to fetch water from shallow wells a long distance away, which were contaminated and dirty. Now we don’t have to walk far to get water, as the kiosk is just 20 metres away from our house. This means I’ve got time to take my children to school.”

Fatuma also doesn’t have far to take her goats to get water, as they can also drink at the shallow wells nearby, before going to graze in the valley. As part of the project, Fatuma joined a focus group discussion on good hygiene, which has helped her to ensure her family can stay healthy.

Although life is still tough, Fatuma and her family are more optimistic about what lies ahead. “At least now, with help from Islamic Relief, we have more hope and confidence for the future.”

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