The World Health Organization (WHO) report and the Children’s Agency (UNICEF) issued as the World Water Week starts, highlights the persistent gaps in access, with vulnerable communities that face the greatest disparities.
Some 2.1 billion people still lack access to drinking water safely, while 106 million worldwide are forced to trust unrelated surface sources.
“Water, sanitation and hygiene are not privileges, they are basic human rights“Said Ruediger Krech, director of the Environment Department, Climate Change and WHO Health.
Clear disparities
The report considers that people in less developed countries have more than double probabilities that people in other countries lack basic drinking water and sanitation services, and more than three times more likely to pass without basic hygiene.
“These inequalities are especially marked for girls who often have the load of water collection and face additional barriers during menstruation,” said Cecilia Scharp, Chief of Water Services, Sanitation and Hygiene of UNICEF.
The data from 70 countries reveal that, although most women and adolescents have menstrual materials and a private place to change, many still lack sufficient supplies to administer their needs safely and with dignity.
‘We must act faster’
Some 1.7 billion people still lack basic hygiene services at home, including 611 million without facilities at all.
“We must accelerate the action, especially for the most marginalized communities, if we want to maintain our promise to achieve sustainable development goals,” said Mr. Krech.
“At the current rhythm, the promise of safe water and sanitation for each child is moving away from the scope, reminding us that we must act faster and more boldly to reach those who need it most,” said Mrs. Scharp.
In the municipality of Manaure in La Guajira, Colombia, a woman washes her hands in an installation of a hand washing point known as Tippy taps.