Globally, more than 1,200 children before the age of five die every day from diarrheal diseases connected to water pollution and inadequate hygiene. 2.2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water.
The situation
One of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to ensure access to safe drinking water and sanitary facilities for the entire global population. The world is currently still a long way from achieving this goal: 2.2 billion people still do not have access to safe drinking water, while 3.6 billion do not have their own toilets. 673 million people have to relieve themselves outdoors.
Water scarcity limits access to safe drinking water and basic hygiene measures at home, in schools and in health facilities. When water is scarce, sanitation systems can fail and the risk of contracting diseases such as cholera increases. Scarce water is also more expensive.
Women and children are particularly affected by water scarcity, as they are often the ones responsible for fetching it. The farther away the water, the longer it takes to get, which often means less time for school. For girls especially, water scarcity has a detrimental effect on regular school attendance. Carrying water long distances is also a huge physical burden and can expose children to safety risks and exploitation.
Contaminated drinking water and inadequate hygiene are major causes of diarrheal diseases, which claim the lives of more than 1,200 children under the age of five every day. Many respiratory infections, worm infections and skin and eye inflammations could also be prevented with better hygiene. This includes washing hands with soap.
How UNICEF helps
UNICEF is active in more than 100 countries with programs to promote clean drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Households, schools and health centers are supported with the following measures:
- Planning water points within short walking distance
- Drilling wells
- Constructing wells and spring catchments
- Distributing water purification tablets
- Installing separate toilets for boys and girls
- Distributing soap and providing instruction on its use
- Raising awareness and providing information about the connection between contaminated water, insufficient hygiene and disease
Clean water is of crucial importance, not only in developing countries but also in conflict and disaster zones, especially with a view to preventing the outbreak of epidemics. In countries that are regularly affected by natural disasters, UNICEF helps to establish appropriate emergency plans.
You can help too.
With your donation, you can help to provide children and their families with access to clean water and toilets. Together with simple hygiene measures, this can significantly reduce child mortality. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support.