Taking the reins: Public water, the international health community, and the World Bank's opportunity to advance global health

In 2012, Dr. Jim Yong Kim--a physician and human rights advocate--was appointed World Bank president. As the first health practitioner to lead the Bank, Kim faces the challenge of ensuring it operates in the interests of public health. Historically, the Bank has critically shaped health, most notably in 1991 when it ceased investments in tobacco production, analyzed costs of tobacco use, and assessed the benefits of putting its clout behind tobacco control. Now, amidst concern that 1 in 9 people live without access to enough water, the health community must again look to the Bank to advance health by ensuring clean water access around the world. By driving water privatization, the Bank has undermined access to clean water, impacting millions. In one of its sites, Manila, many communities remain waterless, with the high price of water beyond reach. Quality has suffered with severe health consequences; in 2003, 600 residents became sick and eight people died when the water's E. Coli level exceeded seven times the national limit. With its health leader, the World Bank has the opportunity to shift practices to support public health, and to support public water systems' crucial role in preventing disease and ensuring access for millions. This presentation will define the Bank's precedent for promoting health by divesting from water privatization and re-investing in public water infrastructure. Based on a groundbreaking report, the presentation will explore the Manila case study, explain the urgent public health challenges of the Bank's current approach, and highlight opportunities for change.