The Institute for OneWorld Health Commemorates World Water Day 2011

Renews commitment to bringing health to children in the developing world

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Institute for OneWorld Health (iOWH), a non-profit that develops life-saving medicines for infectious diseases, released the following statement commemorating World Water Day 2011 by Richard Chin, MD and CEO for iOWH.

“While water is the basis for all life on this planet, it is far too easy to take it for granted. In reality, more than 40 percent of the world lacks access to safe drinking water. Water contamination is a particular concern because it is a leading cause of diarrheal diseases, which kill 1.5 million children every year - most of them children under five. What makes this number even more heart-breaking is how preventable these deaths can be today. In 2011, there is no reason for a child to die from cholera.

“At OneWorld Health we mark World Water Day by renewing our commitment to bringing health to the children in the developing world. This year we have announced a major milestone in the fight against cholera, with a new breakthrough medication being developed to treat secretory diarrhea receiving rapid Investigational New Drug approval from FDA to advance into clinical trials. The new drug, iOWH032, is designed to be used in conjunction with current oral rehydration therapy and to address the severe fluid loss that accompanies infectious diseases such as cholera and other secretory diarrheas.

“Please join us today in bringing attention to the importance of accessible clean water worldwide. At OneWorld Health we stand firm in our commitment to relieve the burden of infectious diseases such as diarrhea, and bring health to children suffering from these neglected killers. We applaud all people and organizations that work hard to bring safe drinking water and improved sanitation to communities throughout the developing world.”

Headquartered in South San Francisco, the Institute for OneWorld Health is a non-profit that discovers, develops and delivers safe, effective and affordable new medicines for people with infectious diseases in the developing world with emphasis on diseases that disproportionately affect children. More information can be found here: www.oneworldhealth.org