Every day is a day of celebration and anticipation at Blood:Water—celebration for the progress we’ve all collectively made in the fight to end the HIV/AIDS and water crises in Africa, and anticipation for the progress that will be made in the future.

While we have reached more than 1 million people in sub-Saharan Africa with clean water, the statistics below show that there is so much work left to be done.

• There are 325 million people living in sub-Saharan Africa who still do not have access to safe water—that is 43% of the world’s burden.
• Seven out of 10 of the 159 million people relying on water taken directly from rivers, lakes, and other surface waters live in sub-Saharan Africa, which is eight times more than any other region.
• Collectively, the people living in Africa walk 40 billion hours each year just to collect water

That is why bringing awareness to the ever-present water crisis in Africa is so important and why, every year, we observe World Water Day.

World Water Day is a day set aside for the world to turn its attention toward the 750 million people who lack access to safe water. This day is recognized internationally as an opportunity to educate others about water-related issues, and be inspired to spread the word and take action to make a difference.

This year, World Water Day is on March 22 and Blood:Water is providing two ways for people to get involved:

1. Take a Water Challenge Now through World Water Day, drink nothing but water! Save what you would have spent on other drinks, and donate it on March 22. On that day alone, we’re going to provide two wells in Zambia! Sign up here.
2. Join Us for a Celebration We’re hosting a World Water Day Celebration here in Nashville. Lightning 100 will broadcast from our office, and we have an incredible lineup of artists who will be performing throughout the day! Plus what celebration is complete without food trucks and giveaways from local vendors? Learn more and RSVP here.

We are thankful for a day that recognizes the importance of fighting to end the water crisis, and excited for another opportunity to motivate others to make a change.