UNICEF Portugal organizes awareness campaign about the global water crisis in Praia da Torre
August 31st, Saturday, between 9:30am and 12pm, at Praia da Torre, Oeiras
Next Saturday, August 31st, UNICEF Portugal will organize an awareness-raising action at Praia da Torre, in Oeiras, to raise awareness about the global crisis of lack of access to drinking water, a problem that affects millions of people around the world, with children being the most vulnerable and susceptible to contracting diseases.
With the motto “Let’s give water, let’s give life”, this playful initiative aims to demonstrate and highlight, practically and educationally, the challenges that many communities around the world face daily in accessing drinking water.
The action, which will take place from 9:30 am to 12 pm, will take the form of a competition, with interactive games aimed at children and families. The activities essentially aim to illustrate and highlight the vital importance of access to drinking water and the serious consequences of its scarcity. With this initiative, UNICEF aims to raise awareness among families living in Portugal about the water crisis, as well as to raise funds that are essential to continue providing drinking water to children who need it most.
Luísa Motta, Director of Fundraising and Partnerships at UNICEF Portugal, says: “Ensuring access to drinking water is urgent. Access to clean water is a fundamental human right. No child should lose their life due to lack of access to clean water. Through this initiative, UNICEF invites children and families to delve into the reality of millions facing clean water shortages. In this seaside initiative, the game turns into a powerful lesson about solidarity and the urgency of guaranteeing access to water, a source of life for all.”
Lack of access to clean water is a growing problem, driven by a combination of human and environmental factors. Currently, 2.2 billion people live without access to clean water, including more than 600 million children. Every day, more than 1,000 children under the age of five die due to drinking contaminated water.
In conflict areas, children are 20 times more likely to die from diseases related to lack of water and sanitation than from violence. There are more than 100 diseases that can be transmitted through untreated water, with children being the most vulnerable due to their immune systems still developing.
UNICEF carries out daily work to provide access to water, whether with emergency or lasting and sustainable resources in the regions most in need. In 2023, UNICEF distributed clean water to 35.9 million people, with more than 700 water, hygiene and sanitation experts.
UNICEF Portugal is keeping an appeal open to raise funds to continue providing clean water to children who need it most. For more information, see our website, here.
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