LANXESS AG is actively helping to improve the quality of the water and thus the quality of life for people in Africa. Last year, the specialty chemicals company entered into a partnership through 2010 with the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF), a reputed African relief organization. "LANXESS is convinced that the world's water problems will become even more acute than they are now. For this reason, the company wants to do its bit in helping to solve the problems, both through its social commitment and through its innovative products," says Rainier van Roessel, Labor Director and member of the Board of Management of LANXESS AG.

With financial assistance from the specialty chemicals group, AMREF is installing a water supply system able to adequately meet the needs of nearly 9,700 children at 25 schools, and equipping the schools with sanitary facilities. Furthermore, AMREF will teach African children about personal hygiene, such as the right way to wash their hands. This is an extremely important measure for preventing disease.

"Through this partnership, we are helping to avoid diseases caused by polluted water and poor hygiene," says van Roessel. "We take our social responsibility seriously even in difficult economic times, concentrating on areas we know, in which our company also has business acitivities."