Press releases

World Water Day 2008

To mark World Water Day on March 22, 2008, WaterAid America collaborated with a number of other organizations to raise awareness of the water and sanitation crisis in the developing world, where 5,000 children die each day from water-related diseases.

The Heaviest Load panel discussion at the AMNH

In conjunction with the American Museum of Natural History, the WaterAid America Dialogue Series presented a panel discussion exploring the role women play in managing water resources in developing countries.

The panel featured Clarissa Brocklehurst, Chief of Water and Environmental Sanitation at UNICEF; Lydia Zigomo, Head of WaterAid's East Africa Region; Netsanet Mengistu, Founder of Zema Setoch Lefitih (Voice of Women for Justice in Ethiopia); and was moderated by Carol Jenkins, President of the Women's Media Center and AMREF Board Member.

Hygiene behavior can lower diarrheal diseases by 50 percent. Investment insanitation can really make a huge difference, but it's not politicallyattractive.

Underreported: Women and Water on WNYC's (New York Public Radio) Leonard Lopate Show

PatriciaDandonoli, President & CEO of WaterAid America, and Lydia Zigomo,Head of WaterAid's East Africa Region, were interviewed on why it isimportant for planners to involve women in the planning of watersupplies in developing countries.

The Water Resources Fair at the AMNH

WaterAidAmerica exhibited at the American Museum of Natural History's WaterResources Fair. An exhibit very popular with younger visitors was a'rope pump' made from parts including a bicycle wheel and a length ofknotted rope.

Rope pumps are one of the low-cost technologiesthat WaterAid uses in its water programs helping poor communities gainaccess to safe, sustainable water supplies across Africa and Asia. Theycan be an appropriate technology choice for communities living inremote rural locations, where it is difficult to source spare parts forother designs of handpumps.

A Call for Improved Sanitation on Voice of America

PatriciaDandonoli, President & CEO of WaterAid America, and ClarissaBrocklehurst, Chief of Water and Environmental Sanitation at UNICEF,spoke with William Eagle of Voice of America, on the need to improvesanitation across sub-Saharan Africa.

Read a report on the issues and listen to the interview.

The Longest Toilet Line, Central Park, New York City

Barbara Frost, Chief Executive of WaterAid, participated in the Stand Up For Those Who Can't Sit Down event, organized by UNICEF in Central Park, New York.  The event staged a long line for just one toilet, to highlight the fact that 2.6 billion lack adequate sanitation.

In an interview broadcast by Science Friday,  Ms. Frost commented:

"Hygiene behavior can lower diarrheal diseases by 50%.  Investment in sanitation can really make a huge difference, but it's not politically attractive."

Watch a video of the event on Science Friday's website.

Read a New York Times blog about the event. 

Walk for Water, New York City

Patricia Dandonoli, President & CEO of WaterAid America, was among the speakers welcoming participants to the Walk for Water event in New York City.  Along with thousands of other participants in Walk for Water events in cities including Los Angeles and Seattle, and in a Virtual Walk for Event, the walkers in New York gathered to raise public awareness of the world water crisis.

Read more about the Walk for Water events.

Beneath the Surface show with Jerry Quickley on KPFK Pacifica Radio

Patricia Dandonoli spoke with Jerry Quickley about the need to prioritize assistance for safe water and sanitation to the poorest communities in the world.

To listen to the interview visit KPFK's audio archive and select the Beneath the Surface show from March 26, 2008.