Much of Vietnam suffers from lack of safe drinking water. In this photo, a group of school children in their bright blue school uniform hats draw water from a water filter. This is one of the luckier schools - at least it has a water filter.

At the time of this photo (2004), approximately 69 percent of school children suffered from intestinal worm infections, caused by unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation. Worms exacerbate malnutrition by causing a loss in appetite and reducing absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. Hunger and worm infections have been shown to reduce childrens’ academic achievement.

Most Vietnamese schools don't have access to safe water. At these schools, kids have to bring water from home to school every day. In most cases, that water from home is not safe either.

Most Vietnamese schools also don’t have any toilet or latrine facilities. Teachers tell students not to go to the bathroom when they’re at school. It’s a good thing that school only lasts 3 hours a day…or is it…

Nghe An Province, Vietnam, Southeast Asia

Ref: Nghe An 6