Just at the time of printing this publication, we learned the shocking news that Ron Rivera died in early September 2008 after a severe attack of malaria. Ron was the pioneer and untiring promoter of the silver-impregnated ceramic filter. What started in Nicaragua more than two decades has become a success story with over 30 ceramic filter factories all over the world and an ever faster take-up in many regions.
Ron Rivera saved many lives, primarily those of children who would otherwise die of diarrhoeal diseases. We hope that one day his dream of widespread dissemination will come true, and that millions of children and adults will be protected against diarrhoeal diseases in the future. We shall miss a remarkable friend and a pioneer in development. This book is dedicated to him.