Institute of Catholic Bioethics, Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA.
Med Sci Monit. 2012 Jul;18(7):RA105-17. doi: 10.12659/msm.883200.
The need for clean water has risen exponentially over the globe. Millions of people are affected daily by a lack of clean water, especially women and children, as much of their day is dedicated to collecting water. The global water crisis not only has severe medical implications, but social, political, and economic consequences as well. The Institute of Catholic Bioethics at Saint Joseph's University has recognized this, and has designed a slow-sand water filter that is accessible, cost-effective, and sustainable. Through the implementation of the Institute's slow-sand water filter and the utilization of microfinancing services, developing countries will not only have access to clean, drinkable water, but will also have the opportunity to break out of a devastating cycle of poverty.
全球范围内对清洁水的需求呈指数级增长。数百万人每天都受到缺乏清洁水的影响，尤其是妇女和儿童，因为他们的大部分时间都用于取水。全球水危机不仅具有严重的医疗影响，还具有社会、政治和经济后果。圣约瑟夫大学天主教生物伦理学研究所已经认识到这一点，并设计了一种易于获取、具有成本效益和可持续性的慢砂水过滤器。通过实施研究所的慢砂水过滤器和利用小额融资服务，发展中国家不仅将获得清洁、可饮用的水，而且还有机会摆脱贫困的恶性循环。
