Wells Tap Clean Water, Better Health

By Kai T. Hill

For years, residents in the northern region of Ghana had little option but to drink water from the same bacteria-laden ponds as their cattle. They'd walk for miles to retrieve a few buckets of water that often contained worm larvae. If ingested, the larvae form long worms in the stomach. The worms can incapacitate people for months. They travel through limbs to exit the body. It can be crippling for the young and old alike.

When members of St. John Mary Vianney parish near Seattle got wind of the problem, they stepped in to help. In conjunction with Water in Africa Through Everyday Responsiveness (WATER), parish members helped Catholic Relief Services and our partners build 13 wells in communities throughout northern Ghana. The availability of nearby wells gives residents a safe, healthier alternative to untreated water. Incidents of guinea worm have dramatically dropped off in communities where wells were built.

Upon visiting northern Ghana, parish members say they were extremely gratified to see the wells. One of their greatest rewards was drinking fresh water alongside celebrating villagers.

Photos courtesy of St. John Mary Vianney Parish.

Kai T. Hill is an associate web producer for CRS. She works at the Baltimore headquarters.