For many of us getting a drink of water is simple; we make our way to a water fountain or the sink without worrying about possible contamination. For many others around the world, this simple act may not be so simple as access to clean water and sanitation products are sometimes difficult to obtain. The lack of clean water and sanitation can lead to illnesses such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A and hepatitis E, all of which can be life-threatening when treatments are not readily available. Waterborne diseases occur from drinking contaminated water and cause gastrointestinal infections, leading to diarrhea, and in most cases, dehydration. The bacteria and pathogens in the water infect a host, and are easily spread through feces. This is commonly done through inadequate municipal sewage systems and septic tanks. The spread of infection is even greater when there is poor access to sanitation and hygiene products such as soap, toothpaste, and sanitizer. In the West, sanitation is readily available and clean water is a basic right, leading to the lack of awareness about issues related to sanitation and its effects on global health.
As of now, the most affected areas in the world are Subsaharan Africa and Asia. Nearly 3.5 million people, mostly children, die from contaminated water annually while over 2 billion people do not even have access to safe, potable water. This creates a world where water seems to be something of a luxury. Organizations around the world are trying to improve these numbers, but education is the most effective tool in spreading awareness about the importance of clean water and sanitation.
During times of disaster and emergencies, clean water and sanitation are crucial factors that affect the health of an evacuating population. Flooding increases the risk of contamination on water supplies while droughts bring about increased rates of famine and malnutrition, inducing a higher demand for clean water and sanitation. Disaster management teams must work hard to ensure relief and recovery, as well as prevent the spread of infection in densely populated temporary settlements, requiring increased sanitation and hygiene practices.
Currently, PLAN International is improving access to clean water and sanitation by initiating programs that introduce clean water pipes to preschools and rural areas. Another important issue that has been addressed is the daily burden women and girls in developing countries carry while fetching water for their families and communities. PLAN International has been working to build newer, sustainable water management systems and restoring old, broken water systems. This project has significantly impacted women who live in rural Laos as they previously had to walk slippery paths and carry heavy water loads to get unclean water.
So what do clean water and access to sanitation mean? They mean more children in developing countries can be well hydrated, healthy, and prepared to go to school, improving attendance rates, and allowing them to focus on their studies and just being a kid. Clean water also means reduced maternal and child mortality rates, improving the health of vulnerable mothers and children. But, most importantly, clean water and sanitation mean illness prevention and better health outcomes for a community. It is our responsibility to understand and acknowledge how simple parts of our life may have great impacts on the lives of others. Discussing these issues is crucial in developing knowledge and raising awareness around the importance of having access to safe potable water and the role it has in various aspects of a community, including education, agriculture, mothers’ health, and food.
Written by:
Ihsan Khalifa
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