About Our Program

Over two and a half billion people in the world lack access to adequate sanitation and 884 million lack access to adequate drinking water.  These shortcomings have significant impacts on global health and poverty.  Diarrhea, caused to a large extent by contaminated water, remains the second leading cause of death in young children, causing over 1.4 million preventable child deaths per year, more than tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/AIDS combined (Pruss-Ustun et al., 2009).  Malnutrition, cholera and malaria, also linked to unsafe water, inadequate sanitation and insufficient hygiene, remain a serious health concern in many parts of the world.  According to the World Health Organization, one tenth of the global disease burden could be prevented by improving water management and expanding access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene -WASH. 

Access to safe drinking water and sanitation is a precursor to economic development, improved health outcomes and greater gender equality.  Concerted efforts have been made to increase access to water and sanitation, but more work remains.  Global commitments to halve the number of people without access to adequate drinking water between 1990 and 2015 are expected to be met in every region but Sub-Saharan Africa.  However, if current trends continue, the proportion of people without access to basic sanitation will not be halved by 2015.  While global development assistance to improve access to these critical services is increasing in absolute terms, its share of total aid decreased from 8% in 1997 to 5% in 2008 (GLAAS, 2010). 

A major strategic focus of the water program of the Nicholas Institute is on facilitating the creation of the necessary policy and decision making environment to secure and sustain water related health capacity in the developing world.   In collaboration with colleagues from Duke, and external partners, the Institute undertakes independent policy relevant analysis, and provides advice and insights to decision makers in the public and private sector organizations and decision makers engaged in enhancing the effectiveness and impact of water, sanitation and water related health programs in the developing world.  Broader considerations of water, resources management, climate change, agriculture, and health are integral to the Institute’s approach.