 More than half of all African’s lack access to safe drinking water (UN)  The avg. distance a woman in Africa walks to collect water is 3.75     

miles 1/3 of women in Egypt walk over an hour/day for water In other parts of Africa, the task can consume as much as 8 hrs Women can expend as much as 85% of their daily energy intake on getting water The weight of water that women in Africa carry on their heads: 4050lbs. Medical research has documented cases of permanent damage to women's health as a result of carrying water  Chronic fatigue, Spinal & pelvic deformities, Effects on reproductive

health including spontaneous abortion  Of all the renewable water available in Africa each year, only 4% is

used  Most Africans lack Wells, Canals, Pumps, Reservoirs, & Irrigation

Systems

Sources: World Health Report (WHO, 2004), Medilinks.org

Water Coverage  Lowest overall water supply coverage of any region in the world  14 countries