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Exciting Developments from the East Africa Philanthropy Conference
Aside from being able to provide our own insight to other organizations, we look forward to learning more about the region and pursuing the connections we made through the conference. We have been formally invited to be a member of the Africa Philanthropy Network (APN), which will expand our accessibility to other philanthropic organizations into the Southern African region.
Read MoreDying to Live
The physiological description of the brutal death of Jesus has always challenged me. There is something about John’s telling of Jesus’ crucifixion that felt connected to the work of helping people gain access to clean water in communities where a virus found in the blood stream was doing it’s best to destroy the immune systems of it’s targets.
Read MoreWe Take It For Granted, But It’s Saving Our Lives
How many sinks in kitchens and bathrooms have that long forgotten bottle of hand sanitizer or hand soap tucked in a dark corner? Is there dish soap somewhere near a dishwasher? Is there body wash and shampoo in a shower? How many bottles in how many showers? If it was truly a life and death situation, how far would you need to go in order to gain access to the soap you needed?
Read MoreIntroducing Liz Kelly, Our New Annual Giving Manager!
The most important thing to me is to equip and empower people. I want to help people, yes, but I don’t want them to depend on services provided. The fact that Blood:Water’s entire mission revolves around supporting and equipping local leaders to transform their communities is what connects most deeply with me. It’s not about us and what we achieve, it’s about the impact we can make when everyone gets stronger.
Read MoreCOVID-19 Is New. The Impact Is Not.
The societal impact that COVID-19 has had gives us a rare opportunity to personally empathize with our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world who have not had access to good health care, clean water, and proper sanitation facilities for years. As sub-Saharan Africa currently holds almost 50% of the global burden of the water crisis and almost 70% of the global burden of HIV, it is a highly vulnerable area – which is why we partner with grassroots organizations on the ground in that region.
Read MoreClean Water Well for Ephraim and His School
After his school’s administration partnered with PaCT, they were able to install a spring protected well where the students and other local community members can fill up their jerry cans knowing that their water will be clean and healthy. This enables them to stay in school and create their own brighter futures!! Gone are the days of sharing algae- and bacteria-filled water with livestock.
Read MoreThe Superhero You’ve Never Heard of – Dr. Deborah Birx
For her contributions to the field of HIV/AIDS research, Blood:Water awarded her the William H. Frist Award at our Red Tie Gala in 2015, and honored her in our office, and we are proud to have a connection to such an influential figure in the field of global health.
Read MoreA Message From Our Executive Director Regarding COVID-19
As COVID-19 continues to impact lives in ways that just months ago we could not have imagined, our thoughts are not only with those affected at home and around the world, but also especially with our friends in Africa. While the epidemic we’re facing is a new experience for us, it is yet one more public health battle that they are forced to face.
Read MoreWorld Water Day: The Story of Chifenthe Preschool (Part 2)
For Chikalema to have a well to draw drinking water from rather than the unclean rivers is hard to believe,” the Village Headwoman declares. “Now that we have a well, I am very confident that the community will take care of it since it is the only good source of clean and safe water… This well will save lives in my village.”
Read MoreA Tale of Two Viruses – Coronavirus and HIV
Today we find ourselves in a unique space. Over the last few weeks and months, we have wandered into a “new” environment. It is not new to everyone. And I hope we can explore this newish place together because I think we can both learn something and grow something in the midst of this new experience together.
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