Over 1 Billion People Lack Access to Basic Sanitation
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Over 1 Billion People Lack Access to Basic Sanitation

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Sofía Garduño By Sofía Garduño | Journalist & Industry Analyst - Wed, 03/22/2023 - 13:20

Annually, 1.4 million people die from causes linked to unsafe water. The lack of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services is threatening the health of 1.7 billion people that still lack access to basic sanitation, according to the UN. In response to this situation, WHO and UNICEF are urging governments to intensify their efforts to provide universal access to safely managed WASH services by 2030.

Although access to water and sanitation is acknowledged as a human right by the Mexican constitution, 12 million people in Mexico lack access to safe water, as reported by IMCO. Without access to drinking water, people are susceptible to diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Also, drinking water with high doses of chemicals can lead to nervous system or organ damage and developmental or reproductive effects, says EPA. 

Globally, 50% of healthcare facilities lack water and soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizing solutions. For instance, a recent evaluation of Hidalgo’s healthcare system showed a lack of quality standards for the water used in some hospitals in the state, as reported by MBN. 

This scenario threatens everyone but vulnerable groups such as children are at higher risk. For example, three out of 10 schools in the world do not have access to safe water and sanitation. The consequences of not providing safe water to children can be fatal. Each 20 seconds a mother loses a child due to the lack of clean water and 1.5 million children die annually for the same reason, according to OXFAM Intermon. In areas of conflict, children are 20 times more likely to die from diseases linked to unsafe water than from violence, says UNICEF.

The situation is critical, and WHO and UNICEF are calling on governments to take action to safeguard people's health. To support them, they proposed multiple solutions including government leadership, funding and financing, investing in people and institutions, using data and evidence for decision-making and encouraging WASH innovation and experimentation. Governments are also encouraged to develop plans to increase political commitment and strengthen governance and institutions required to deliver these services. Also, funding strategies that consider the needs of different regions and population groups should be developed while increasing public spending on WASH. Institutions and a capable workforce should be built and data collection and monitoring should be institutionalized. Additionally, governments should encourage WASH innovation and experimentation by developing supportive policies and fostering collaboration between government, civil society groups and private sector actors.

 “The benefits of access to safe water and sanitation, for individuals and societies alike, are beyond measure. These services are key to healthy development in children and for sustaining wellbeing as adults. They also offer a pathway to broader social and economic progress by supporting community health and productivity,” reads the statement.

Photo by:   pixabay , drfuenteshernandez

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