Further Information: UNICEF Report Related Event: African Night     UNICEF UK Al Madad Foundation project in support of water and sanitation in Niger UNICEF UK and Al Madad are supporting a desperately needed project to improve water and sanitation facilities in Niger. Child mortality rates in Niger are among the highest in the world - over a quarter of children die before their fifth birthday. An estimated 80% of infant and childhood deaths in rural Niger are linked to exposure to contaminated water, lack of hygiene and inadequate sanitation. Through this three-year project, UNICEF and Al Madad aim to improve children's health by increasing access to drinking water and basic sanitation. Project activities will be carried out in rural communities in northern Niger in areas with severely restricted access to clean water and sanitation. Twelve new modern wells will be dug. Government agents, NGO and communities will receive training for improved hygiene practices. A network of civil society organisations will be created and strengthened to address water and sanitation issues, and to maintain the facilities and equipment generously donated by the Al Madad Foundation. Benefits By implementing this project, approximately 6,000 people - including 3,300 women and 825 children under the age of five - will have greater access to drinking water and better sanitation. 3,300 women will walk shorter distances to draw water, giving them more time to care for their children and participate in other activities such as generating income or serving on community management committees. Public health will improve, disease rates will drop and civil society organisations (national NGOs, women's groups, youth groups, neighbourhood committees, local development committees, etc.) will help communities become responsible for meeting their own needs for water and sanitation, helping to build a self-sufficient future.     Supported Projects: Spafford Children's Centre The Birziet University Photographic Library TCF (The Citizens Foundation) earthquake rebuilding project in Kashmir Water wells in Niger in conjunction with UNICEF

Copyright 2008, Al Madad Foundation, all rights reserved. The Al Madad Foundation is a registered charity in England and Wales, registered charity no. 1101574.