While most NGOs and nonprofits work hard on the continent to drill wells and increase access to water sources, HaloPure focuses on sanitizing water in individual homes through the use of purification technology.

The mother company, HaloSource, was founded in 1998 by a University of Michigan professor of microbioloigy, Dr. Jeffrey F. Williams. Williams assembled a team of scientists and industry experts to bring innovative purification technology worldwide.

“The focus was to bring new technologies on water treatment,” Williams, HaloSource Chief Technology Officer, told AFKInsider. “We pioneered several chemistry innovations not just to treat things like cholera but to make water safe to drink period.”

According to the World Health Organization, 88 percent of diarrheal diseases are attributed to unsafe water supply. The contraction of Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Trachoma are also attributed to pathogens spreading through unclean water sources.

“Water and Sanitation is one of the primary drivers of public health,” said WHO Director General Dr. Lee Jong-Wook. Once we can secure access to clean water and to adequate sanitation facilities for all people, irrespective of the difference in their living conditions, a huge battle against all kinds of diseases will be won.”

The cartridges within HaloPure systems contain EPA certified beads composed of patented N-halamine technology. When germs come in contact with the biocide resident on the beads, they are killed and inactivated. In 2012, HaloPure linked up with NGO, A Barefoot Mile, to test its technology in the Mdolo region of Malawi. HaloSource donated their purification technology and worked with local project leaders to ensure clean water availability.

In AFKInsider‘s Q&A with Williams, he discusses point of use technology, the science behind it as well as its application internationally and in Africa.