Billions without access to improved sanitation
One-third of the world's population — some 2.4 billion people will remain without access to improved sanitation in 2015, according to a joint WHO/UNICEF report issued recently.
The report, entitled Progress on sanitation and drinking water 2013 update, warns that, at the current rate of progress, the 2015 Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target of halving the proportion of the 1990 population without sanitation will be missed by 8% — or half a billion people. The report reveals that there is continues striking disparity between those living in rural areas and those who live in cities. Urban dwellers make up three-quarters of those with access to piped water supplies at home. Rural communities comprise 83% of the global population without access to improved drinking water source and 71% of those living without sanitation.
Experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO) have identified it as an urgent need and urged everyone work to ensure all the necessary pieces are in place — political commitment, funding, leadership — so the world can accelerate progress and reach the MDG sanitation target.
By improving access to basic sanitation we can transform the world and lives of millions of children. This will give us numerous benefits for health and well-being and to end poverty. Every day hundreds of children are dying. Every day, thousands of parents mourn their sons and daughters. We should act in the face of this colossal daily human tragedy.
Source: World Health Organisation
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