World Water Week 2023
August 20 – August 24
People living with neglected tropical diseases need your support to ensure access to clean water and washing supplies. Help us reach our goal of providing $7000 worth of foot washing kits to people we serve!
The Value of Water and Hygiene for People With Leprosy or Other Neglected Tropical Diseases
1.7 billion people are affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) like leprosy conditions. They often go unseen, living at the margins of their communities. People at risk of NTDs often live with multiple inequities, including limited access to clean water and sanitation, health care, economic opportunity, and social inclusion.
Neglected tropical diseases such as leprosy, among others, are contracted through exposure to contaminated water. Leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, Buruli ulcer, and many other NTDs require proper wound and skin care with regular washing with soap and water. Clean and safe water, hand/foot washing supplies, and training and latrines help prevent diseases, and they play an important role in disrupting diseases and infections.
How You Can Help
Together with you, national governments, and our partners in the field, we are using WASH (Water Along with Sanitation and Hygiene) to prevent the spread of infectious diseases like leprosy.
Your donation can help provide somebody with leprosy or other neglected diseases with a foot washing kit. People with disease-damaged feet need to soak, scrub and oil their feet every day to help the wounds heal and to prevent further infection. This simple twice-a-day task ensures that people with leprosy maintain their ability to walk.