Archive

Archive

SODIS newsletter

23rd of September 2009

The SODIS newsletter informs about our projects, activities and important events in connection with SODIS. From 2009 on, the newsletter is disseminated semi-annually in German and in English. To receive the newsletter by email, please subscribe to our Mailing-List.
Suggestions and feedback are welcome (newsletter@sodis.ch)

SODIS Newsletter no. 2 - September 2009 [pdf]

 

The SODIS Advocacy campaign

5th of September 2009

We want all people who are suffering from contaminated drinking water to know how to treat their water. We can not reach this ambitious goal alone. Therefore we start this year our advocacy campaign to achieve the global establishment of the SODIS-method.

Our aim is that worldwide, decision-makers in the development corporation know the SODIS-method and include it in the programs of their organisations. This is possible through the specific informing of governments, NGOs and international Organisations, the sound trainings of project leaders and staff of public authorities (teachers, nurses, etc.) and the demonstration of pilot project.

With our campaign we want to achieve that the SODIS-method reaches faster those who need it most urgently.

 

Results of SODIS health impact study in Bolivia published

23 August 2009

A recent study [1] of Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS) has attracted substantial media attention for its negative findings on the SODIS process, in which water is disinfected by placing it in PET bottles and exposing it to sunlight. The investigators reported that the incidence of diarrheal diseases was not significantly decreased in an intervention group as compared with a control group. The intervention group included both SODIS users and non-users and the reported rate of SODIS use was only 30%. The actual consumption of SODIS-treated water in the household may have been as low as 14%. The report concluded that further research including “a direct comparison of SODIS to alternate drinking water treatment methods [is] needed before further global promotion of SODIS.”

As researchers of the SODIS process and advocates of its use, we must challenge this conclusion. An estimated 3 million people in 30 countries are currently using SODIS to reduce their risk of water-borne disease. Numerous studies have reported health benefits of SODIS when it is correctly and consistently used. In one such study [2], the incidence of cholera during an epidemic in Kenya was 88% lower among SODIS than non-users.

A well-known weakness of the SODIS process is that it is often not used consistently or is used to treat only a fraction of the drinking water consumed. Beneficial health impacts associated with the use of SODIS may also be compromised by poor sanitation and hygiene. Nonetheless, we feel that people should not be discouraged from continuing to use SODIS or from adopting it unless an alternate supply of safe drinking water is available.

We strongly support continued studies of the effectiveness of SODIS and other methods to reduce the incidence of water-borne disease. We suggest, however, that recommendations based on such studies be tempered by the recognition that people who are using (or might adopt) SODIS have no alternative source of safe drinking water. In contrast to the recommendation of Mäusezahl and co-workers, we suggest that future education of SODIS users should focus on establishing the regular practice of the method and also on eliminating the consumption of any untreated and contaminated water.

Statement of Eawag

[1] Mäusezahl et al. (2009). Solar Drinking Water Disinfection (SODIS) to Reduce Childhood Diarrhoea in Rural Bolivia: A Cluster-Randomized, Controlled Trial. PLoS Med 6(8)

[2] Conroy et al. (2001). Solar disinfection of drinking water protects against cholera in children under 6 years of age. Arch Dis Child. Oct; 85(4):293-5

The new study is published in the newest edition of PLoS Medicine.

 

High-ranking visitors in SODIS project in Burkina Faso

16 - 20 February 2009

The SODIS project in Burkina Faso started in 2008 and is funded by the Lions Club Switzerland. Robert Rettby, Council Chairman of the Lions Switzerland, visited the project to see how their funds contribute to improve the living conditions of poor families. He was accompanied by Prof. Dr. Rik Eggen, Deputy Director of Eawag, who wished to learn more about water related problems in developing countries. Both visitors were highly impressed by the impact the project has on the life of the families. They appreciated the engagement of the local partner organisation, Helvetas and ICODEV, and supported the project during their visit in advocacy and scientific activities.

For more information please see the article of Mr. Rettby in the Revue LION (in French).

 

Regional Training Workshop in Nairobi, Kenya

18 - 21 January 2009

Lobbying and advocacy for the SODIS-Method is an important aspect of all SODIS projects. Therefore 24 project managers and staff from 13 different countries (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Switzerland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) participated in a regional training workshop on advocacy and communication. The theoretical input and the sharing of lessons learnt in different projects allowed for an intense learning experience for all participants.

 

The new SODIS newsletter can now be downloaded

2 July 2008

The SODIS newsletter informs about our projects, activities and important events in connection with SODIS. From 2009 on, the newsletter is disseminated semi-annually in German and in English. To receive the newsletter by email, please subscribe to our Mailing-List.

Suggestions and feedback are welcome (newsletter@sodis.ch)

SODIS Newsletter no. 1 - July 2008

 

Proceeds of Carla Bruni's photograph for SODIS

10 April 2008

Carla Bruni’s photo by the star photographer Michel Comte was auctioned in New York on 10 April 2008. Gert Elfering promised the proceeds of USD 91’000 of this picture to SODIS.

On 10 April 2008 during one of the most important photo campaigns, Christie’s auctioned 135 photographs of Gert Elfering’s collection in New York. The photograph of Carla Bruni by the star photographer Michel Comte was taken for an anti-aids campaign in 2003.

 

Regional Training workshop in Yaoundé, Cameroon

2 - 4 April 2008

To start up the second batch of Lions funded projects in Africa, a training workshop was organized in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Representatives from the SODIS Projects in Kenya, Cameroun, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Togo, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique and Switzerland were present. Participants were enthusiastic to learn from the on-going projects and had the opportunity to exchange their experiences.

 

Regula Meierhofer is the new head of the SODIS in Switzerland

1 September 2007

On 31 October 2007, Martin Wegelin has retired from Eawag/Sandec after 25 years of dedicated commitment to develop appropriate technologies for water treatment. After the information on solar water disinfection was published by Prof. Aftim Accra in the 80ies, Martin was a driving force behind the continued research on the SODIS-method and the global promotion and dissemination of the method. Thanks to his engagement and persistence, the SODIS project was able to gain significant support by various donors and could be promoted worldwide. Martin will continue to support the activities us as a senior advisor.

Since 1 November 2007, Regula Meierhofer is heading the SODIS at Eawag. Regula has been involved in the promotion and research activities of SODIS at the Eawag since over 7 years. We very much appreciate that she is taking over this challenging position and brings in her wide experiences.

 

Regional SODIS Workshop Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

16 - 19 July 2007

From 16 to 19 July 2007 participants from 10 SODIS Projects in Asia met in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to exchange experiences during the implementation of SODIS Projects. The following countries were represented: Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Indonesia.

 

SODIS Training Workshop in Kisoro, Uganda

12 - 16 June 2007

To start up the first batch of Lions funded projects in Africa, a training workshop was organized in the Kisoro Region of Uganda. Representatives from the SODIS Projects in Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroun, DR Congo, Malawi and Switzerland were present. Participants were enthusiastic to learn from the on-going projects in Kenya and Uganda. At the end of the workshop, the participants decided to form the SODIS Africa Network to enhance the exchange of information and experiences.

 

National Lions Day in Switzerland for SODIS 

12 May 2007

On 12 May 2007, 8800 Lions - members of 226 Lions Clubs in Switzerland - were present in the public all over Switzerland to sell mineral water bottles. With the sale of the bottles, the Lions collected more than 2 Million Swiss Francs to support the promotion of the SODIS-method particularly in Africa and in Latin-America. Through this engagement more than 1 Million people can be trained in the application of the SODIS-method and measures to improve hygiene.

 

The SODIS Foundation wins the PLACA prize 2006 for accelerating access to safe drinking water in Latin America 

11 October 2006

The Water Center for the Humid Tropics of Latin America and the Caribbean (CATHALAC) and Plan International awarded the Latin America and Caribbean Water Prize 2006 to the SODIS Foundation for its efforts to enable thousands of families in Latin America to obtain high quality drinking water.

PLACA Water Prizes are awarded annually to individuals, communities, organizations, schools or business for outstanding local, national or regional water-related achievements. The Prize is supported by UNESCO and the United Nation’s Environmental Program.

 

FC St. Gallen and AFC Zürich play for SODIS

16 August 2006

The Lions Club Toggenburg organized a soccer game for a good purpose. FC St. Gallen and AFC Zürich played on 16 August against each other. The funds collected through the game will be used for SODIS projects in Africa.

 

SODIS receives the Swiss Red Cross Prize

24 June 2006

For the first time in its 140 years old history, the Swiss Red Cross Federation has awarded a price for special humanitarian commitment. This price has been awarded to the SODIS project directed by Martin Wegelin, Eawag/ Sandec. The ceremony took place in the house of parliaments in the capital Berne on June 24, 2006.

 

SODIS Documentary on 3Sat

22 April 2006

Reporter Charlotte Eichhorn accompanied Martin Wegelin during his travels and visited SODIS Projects in Ecuador, Brazil and Sri Lanka. The documentary is shown on Saturday 22 April, 18.30 on 3Sat.

 

SODIS wins the Special Award during the Energy Globe Awards 2004 

24 November 2004

The Energy Globe Award is the most significant environmental award worldwide. Best practice projects and initiatives for a careful and efficient use of our resources are awarded each year in the categories earth, energy, water, air and youth. This year more than 600 projects from 100 countries have applied for the Energy Globe Award.

More information is available under: http://www.energyglobe.at

 

Lions Clubs support Drinking Water Projects for Developing Countries

7 June 2004

On Monday Tae-Sup Lee, president of the International Association of Lions Clubs, a chemical engineer, and representatives of Swiss lions clubs visited the Swiss Federal Institute of Science and Technology (ETH) to receive information about SODIS. The group was received by ETH rector Konrad Osterwalder, ETH vice president Gerhard Schmitt and Alexander Zehnder, Director of EAWAG and designed president of the ETH Council. Martin Wegelin, programme manager of SODIS, introduced the technology and thereafter served with the SODIS-method treated water from the lake of Zürich. The SODIS water was enjoyed by hosts and guests with much delight.

 

Eawag, Helvetas and Migros initiate SODIS-Projects in Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Philippines

19 March 2004

New long-term SODIS Projects have been initiated in Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Philippines. The projects are being implemented by Helvetas in collaboration with Eawag, providing the technical assistance and Migros, granting an annual financial support of 300'000 SFr. for the next 5 years.

 

Launching of the Michel Comte Water Foundation

December 2003

Michel Comte Water Foundation, a non-profit foundation involved in the financing and promotion of sustainable water projects worldwide, has supported a SODIS project in Latin America with 100'000 USD.

 

Lions Club Rorschach engages actively for SODIS

16 December 2003

The Lions Club Rorschach, Switzerland actively supports the worldwide promotion of the SODIS-method through different awareness activities within the Lions Clubs in Switzerland. For the Swiss Delegation Meeting held in Lugano on May 17, 2003, members of Lions Club Rorschach prepared an exhibition on SODIS and informed with great enthusiasm the delegates on the new water disinfection method. Furthermore, club members presented SODIS during Lions Club lunches throughout the year. In November 2003, the Lions Club Rorschach organized a fund raising campaign in their region. CHF 40’000 were collected through these activities and handed over by Mr. Paul Nater to Mr. Martin Wegelin in a small ceremony on December 16, 2003.

 

New Solaqua funded Projects

11 November 2003

This year's competition for submitting SODIS project proposals to the SOLAQUA foundation has met large interest: 36 Organisations filled in the preliminary application format. Out of these 36 applications, 11 organisations with interesting applications had been invited to submit a project proposal for funding.

On 11 November the board of the SOLAQUA foundation met to review these eleven project proposals. Due to the limited amount of fund available, the number of organisations selected had to be limited. Selected for funding were the proposals from the following three countries: Tanzania, Zambia and Cambodia. The SOLAQUA foundation also decided to support a second phase of already ongoing projects in Uzbekistan, India and Kenya.

 

New Empa-Study about plasticizers in PET-bottles

20 June 2003

Plasticizers are used in the production of certain types of plastics and packaging materials (e.g. PVC). These are chemical substances are used to make the plastic material soft and bendable. Though they are not among the most dangerous chemical compounds, the consumption of high amounts of certain plasticizers is a risk for human health. Plasticizers are not, however, used in the production of PET. Whatever concentrations of plasticizers are found in water stored in PET bottles must thus originate from cross-contaminations. A scientific study conducted by Empa proved this.

Poster Empa
Wissenschaftliche Publikation

 

SODIS-method selected as Best Practice for the Dubai International Award

20 June 2002

The Dubai International Award selected the SODIS-method selected as one of the 40 Best Practices. The Dubai International Award for Best Practices plays a crucial role in the identification of Best Practices from around the world and maintains the UN-Habitat Best Practices database.

 

WHO recommends the SODIS-method during World Water  Day 2001

22 March 2001

On the World Water Day on 22 March 2001 WHO recommended the following most need solutions to reduce health hazards related to drinking water:

• Chlorinating water
  
• SODIS: Solar Water Disinfection
  
• Changing Behaviour
  
• Washing Hands -Measures to eradicate Guinea Worm disease
  
• Community organisation and mobilisation
  

More information about World Water Day 2001

 

1st Prize for SODIS in the International SIMAVI Contest

17 March 2000

In 1999, the SIMAVI World Waterfund organised an international competition for fresh ideas on improving the water supply and/or sanitary conditions. The submitted proposal should be innovative and especially applicable in poor rural and/or slum areas in developing countries. The submitted project had to be widely applicable, maintenance or renewal had to be as much as possible self-financed by the beneficiaries, it had to include training possibilities for local people, etc.

The SODIS-method meets all these criteria. On 17 March 2000, during the SIMAVI Conference at the World Water Forum in The Hague, SODIS was officially awarded the first prize amounting to US$ 50,000.

Additional information on SIMAVI and the World Water Forum is found on: www.simavi.org or www.worldwaterforum.org.