Among Sri Lankan paddy farmers, water contaminated by agrochemicals is causing an epidemic of Chronic Kidney Disease unidentified (CKDu). Over 23,000 deaths have been reported from this virulent disease in the last two decades, and due to missed diagnoses the number may be far higher. The majority of victims are middle-aged men who are the sole breadwinners for their families; their passing devastates their family’s livelihood and food supply as well as their children’s educations. The lack of access to potable water also threatens other community members, including schoolchildren in areas with high CKDu incidence. This project from BGR partner Shraddha Charity Organization will construct a water treatment plant that will provide clean water to 3,800 people, including 360 infants and 1,500 children. The project will also raise community awareness of the dangers of water contamination and educate the public about the risks of agrochemical use in farming practices.
Among Sri Lankan paddy farmers, water contaminated by agrochemicals is causing an epidemic of Chronic Kidney Disease unidentified (CKDu). Over 23,000 deaths have been reported from this virulent disease in the last two decades, and due to missed diagnoses the number may be far higher. The majority of victims are middle-aged men who are the sole breadwinners for their families; their passing devastates their family’s livelihood and food supply as well as their children’s educations. The lack of access to potable water also threatens other community members, including schoolchildren in areas with high CKDu incidence. This project from BGR partner Shraddha Charity Organization will construct a water treatment plant that will provide clean water to 3,800 people, including 360 infants and 1,500 children. The project will also raise community awareness of the dangers of water contamination and educate the public about the risks of agrochemical use in farming practices.
