Zambia

Population: 12 million

Life Expectancy: 38 years

Infant Mortality: 102 per 1000 live births

Mortality under age 5: 182 per 1000 live births

Has Safe Water: 58 percent of total population
40 percent of rural population

Has Adequate Sanitation: 55 percent of total population
52 percent of rural population

Religion: 80 percent Christian, 20 percent traditional beliefs

National Wealth: Victoria Falls; abundant wildlife; appealing music and dance tradition

National Challenges: HIV/AIDS claimed 100,000 lives in 2004; 16 percent of the adult population is infected with HIV/AIDS and 750,000 children are AIDS orphans; poverty rate is 83 percent; lack of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene education

Lifewater: One of Lifewater’s first countries of partnership, Lifewater started working in Zambia in the early 80s. In 2006 Lifewater and its partners completed 14 wells, repaired 23 hand pumps, and trained 50 nationals in hand pump repair. They also constructed 200 biosand filters, trained 100 new hygiene trainers, and trained 590 villagers in hygiene education. The biggest emphasis in 2006 was on sanitation, and hundreds of sanitation trainings were conducted. As a result of the work of Lifewater and its partner in Zambia, over 16,000 people received first-time access to safe water. In addition, Lifewater hosted its Africa Partners Conference in Lusaka, Zambia. Lifewater partners from six different African countries received training and shared their experiences and technologies.

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Sources: UNICEF 2004 stats, CIA World Factbook 2007, Lifewater Projects Dept.