African Nations Commit to Investing in Water Infrastructure

African leaders committed to improving water and sanitation conditions this week at the 6th World Water Forum in Marseille, France.

This year’s forum focused on the gains in public health and economic development that come along with improvements in water and sanitation.  Voice of America quoted Bai-Mas Tall, executive secretary of the African Ministers’ Council on Water saying, “We know that in Africa over 60 percent of hospital beds are occupied with patients with water borne diseases. So if you invest in water and give them clean water, you are going to reduce your medical bill.”

The World Water Forum followed last week’s announcement by the UN that the Millennium Development Goal for access to safe drinking water had been met.

Read more about the World Water Forum on the Voice of America website.

Thursday March 22 is World Water Day.