Baxter to support three-year water program in Colombia

DEERFIELD - The Baxter International Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Baxter International Inc., and UNICEF USA Wednesday announced a partnership to improve access to safe water in La Guajira, Colombia, one of the country's most water-challenged regions.

A $1.5 million grant from the foundation is fueling the three-year initiative aimed at ensuring thousands of children, adolescents, families and communities benefit from basic water, sanitation and hygiene services. The initiative will be a multifaceted strategy that focuses on rehabilitation, education and collaboration, the foundation said.

"Millions of people around the world lack access to safe and clean water - one of life's most critical natural resources - which can be devastating for both individuals and their communities," said Jose (Joe) E. Almeida, chairman and chief executive officer of Baxter. "In support of Baxter's mission to save and sustain lives, we are proud to expand our investment in water initiatives through a partnership with UNICEF that will support the health of communities in need."

The Baxter International Foundation and UNICEF project will help provide access to safe drinking water through rehabilitating water systems, installing solar panels, monitoring water quality, and distributing water filters and hygiene kits to families.