The Silent Tsunami An Editorial by Dr. Jeff Bjorck, Lifewater Board Member The world still reels from the desolation of December 26 as the death toll approaches 300,000. Perhaps at no other time has there been such awareness of water’s dreadful power. Consequently, many are learning that the safe, drinkable water they take for granted is actually the most foundational human resource. Before the Asian Tsunami headlines become “old news”, the term “humanitarian aid” must be redefined. Indeed, the world must consider the constant deluge of a silent tsunami, daily threatening the lives of 1.1 billion people without acceptable access to reliable, safe water. Safe water is clearly crucial, but what is less apparent is that water should be the most critical humanitarian aid issue. Drinking water needs are obvious, but safe supplies are also vital for hygiene and sanitation; and roughly 40% (2.4 billion) of the world lacks access to sufficient sanitation. This is particularly tragic given the fact that diarrheal diseases (the main killer of children under the age of five) can be reduced by over 40% simply by washing hands with soap and water. Below: Water is the critical human right issue of our time. The billions pledged for tsunami relief demonstrate the connection of human hearts worldwide. However, large, initial outpourings for relief are much easier to obtain than small but consistent long-term generosity for development. Fortunately, organizations such as Lifewater International, and the Millennium Water Alliance, provide hope and empowerment. The definition of “humanitarian aid” must incorporate prioritized global needs. Thankfully, some funding (e.g. from USAID) is being invested in water development, but not enough. Safe water needs to become the top humanitarian aid priority for all developed nations, and aid budgets should reflect this. The world must learn that even if no disaster had occurred on December 26, the greatest human need would still be safe water. More Articles from the 2005 Spring Newsletter: Water & Disaster | Sharing the Amazon in Peru Blessing the Nations From Home | The Ugliness of Contaminated Water in Kenya