The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has partnered with the Baxter International Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) to enhance access to safe drinking water and sanitation in five water-challenged regions in Egypt.
The Foundation has provided a $2.5 million grant to support this three-year initiative that aims to implement climate-smart water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programming for thousands of people in Upper Egypt’s governorates of Aswan, Assiut, Quena, Minya, and Luxor. The initiative will be implemented through community engagement, education, and rehabilitation of primary health units.
According to a statement recently issued by UNICEF, José (Joe) E. Almeida, the chairman, president, and chief executive officer at Baxter SAID: “Clean, safe water is fundamental to life, yet water scarcity remains a critical issue in certain parts of the world. We are honored to continue partnering with UNICEF to support regional water initiatives that make a meaningful difference for underserved communities, in line with Baxter’s 2030 Corporate Responsibility Commitment and Goals.”
In turn, Michael J. Nyenhuis, president and CEO of UNICEF USA, said: “Every child has a right to a clean and safe environment.”
He added: “With the support of the Baxter International Foundation, UNICEF can help reach children and families in Egypt with access to safe water and provide the resources and education needed to face the impacts of climate change.”
The statement noted UNICEF aims to increase access to WASH services in Egypt through its partnership with the Baxter International Foundation. The following objectives have been set:
1. Provide technical support to national and local governments to equip more than 4,000 households with safe drinking water and sewage connections.
2. Improve access to quality WASH services in over 100 primary care units, which includes gender-separated and disability-friendly sanitation services.
3. Develop and implement action plans and mitigation strategies focused on climate change and WASH for 150 schools and 40 nurseries.
4. Assist medical teams at health facilities in delivering climate-adaptive health and nutrition services and education for mothers and children. Educate young children, high-risk pregnant and lactating women to equip them with skills to help protect against the impact of climate change on WASH.
5. Equip 50 health facilities with green sources of power and energy, such as solar panels.
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