The number one killer in the world is unsafe water; 14,000 people – including 5,000 children – die each day because of contaminated water. More than one billion people (1 in 5 people) still lack access to safe drinking water. (World Health Organization) Nearly half of the world’s population suffers from illnesses caused by drinking or bathing in contaminated water.

Unsafe-water-related disease is the single largest killer of infants in developing countries—diarrhea alone causes about 1.6 million infant deaths each year—and access to safe water is the most important factor in the survival of children under the age of five.

Adequate clean water is essential for all other community development. Lack of water and sanitation is also a major obstacle to education for children across the world. In addition, safe water is vital for economic growth. In many nations, water shortage is a cause of violent conflict. Without safe water, there is no sustainable future for much of the developing world.

How can you help?

Vestergaard Fransden created the LifeStraw, a portable water-filtering device. The LifeStrawfilters out a minimum of 99.9% of waterborne bacteria, viruses, and parasites preventing waterborne illnesses - without the use of harmful chemicals. The LifeStraw is the result of Vestergaard Fransden’s enormous effort on behalf of sustainable design, innovative inventions that improve health and safety of those less fortunate. Vestergaard Fransden has generously supported CELF's educational programs that promote the concept of sustainable development.

With your help, families around the world will have access to clean drinking water.

DOWNLOAD a flyer (English or Spanish) for more information on LifeStraw and waterborne issues.