Make a big stink!

Credit: WaterAid

Take action with End Water Poverty

England, 1858. Death and illness from diarrhoeal diseases was rife. Almost half of all babies born at this time died before their fifth birthday.

In London, disease stalked the river Thames. There was raw sewage on the streets, the river was a brown sludge, and the stench became so bad that the UK Parliament could no longer ignore the problem. The 'Great Stink' forced politicians to act, paving the way for a complete sewage system for the whole of the city. Disease was massively reduced, health was improved, and countless lives were saved.

Yet, 150 years since the Great Stink, diarrhoeal diseases kill 5,000 children every single day in the developing world. Billions of people are living - and dying - in the kind of squalor that was eradicated long ago in the rich world. There is a global crisis in sanitation and water, and it undermines all development efforts.

The cost of inaction is huge. In Africa it is estimated that 5% of GDP (national income) is lost to illnesses and deaths caused by poor sanitation. Sanitation allows adults to work and children to attend school.

In July the Japanese government is hosting the annual G8 meeting. End Water Poverty is calling on the Japanese Prime Minister to ensure the G8 makes an extraordinary effort and agrees a global action plan for sanitation and water in 2008.

We need your help. Nothing will change without public pressure. Visit End Water Poverty's website to watch a short animated film bring the issues to life, and then sign the petition telling the G8 leaders to urgently address the crisis in sanitation and water at their next summit. You could also join a local WaterAid campaign group. Call us on 0845 6000 433 to find out more.

WaterAid is a founding member of End Water Poverty, the international campaign demanding sanitation and water for all.