Governments should invest in the development of healthy drinking systems that are not just increasing the amount of money available, but also by enhancing the capacity to plan, coordinate and regulate the provision of services in order seeking to provide everyone with safe drinking water, and to reduce the impacts from climate changes, according to WHO, UNICEF, and the World Bank in a report that was released today.
The State of the World’s Drinking Water report reveals that more than 2.5 billion persons have had access to safe drinking water in the last two decades. The progress, though positive but not without risk and inequality with around one quarter of the world’s population still without access to water. Climate changes are intensifying the number and severity of floods and droughts that can exacerbate water shortages as well as disrupt supply and destroy communities. The rapid growth of urbanization is putting the burden on the capacity of cities to provide water to the millions of people who live in informal communities and in slums.
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“Providing more access to drinking water that is safe has saved a lot of lives, mainly children. However, climate change is taking away the achievements of these efforts,” said Dr Maria Neira, WHO Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health. “We need to intensify our efforts to make sure that every individual has drinking water sources that are safe, which is a human right, not something that is a luxury.”
The report is a thorough overview of the connections between health, water, and development. It also provides actionable suggestions for partners and governments that are illustrated by examples of how nations can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to ensure safe drinking water for everyone in 2030.
“Investing in sanitation and water is vital for economic growth, health as well as the sustainability of the planet. Healthy children are healthier adults , who contribute more to society and the economy” said Saroj Kumar Jha, Director and Global Director of the Global Directorate of the World Bank’s Water Global Practice. “This principle is at the heart of the world bank’s Human Capital Project. The private sector and governments should take immediate action to speed up the development of sustainable and inclusive sanitation and water supply in both rural and urban regions.”
In order to ensure that everyone has the right to drink safe water in 2030 partners and governments should significantly increase their engagement in drinking water, and quadruple the amount of investment. The report offers comprehensive suggestions for sustainable improvement in governance, infrastructure finance, capacity building, finance as well as data and information and even innovation, despite small budgets.These are the most fundamental recommendations:
- Enhance established institutions through filling in the gaps and facilitating coordination, creating the regulatory framework that is supported by standards and legislation for quality of service and ensuring compliance.
- Funding from all sources significantly and water service providers enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness, and governments ensuring an open and stable administration, regulation and policy environment.
- Increase capacity in the sector of water by creating skilled and motivated workers by using a variety of capacity-building methods based on creativity and collaboration.
- Make sure relevant information and data are readily available to help comprehend the inequalities of drinking water and make informed decisions.
- Encourage experimentation and creativity by promoting supportive policies and regulations, which are accompanied by thorough surveillance and monitoring.
“No child should have to be confronted with the option of drinking polluted water, which is the leading child killer or making risky trips to collect water, and not attending schools,” said Aidan Cronin, UNICEF Interim Director of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and Climate, Environment, Energy, and Disaster Risk Reduction (CEED). “Accessible and drinking water is vital to ensure that children are well-nourished, educated and flourishing.”
Aiming to improve the health of everyone, and guided by the science of health The World Health Organization leads and advocates for global efforts to provide every person in the world the chance to live a healthy and safe life. The WHO is the UN agency for health , which connects countries with partners, people and individuals who are on the frontline across 150+ countries – being the leader in the response of the world in health crises, fighting diseases and addressing the root causes of health problems and enhancing access to health treatment. Our goal is to improve health, ensure that the world is secure and assist the most vulnerable.
UNICEF operates in some of the most challenging places on earth in order to help the children who are the least fortunate in the world. In more than 190 nations and regions, we fight to ensure that every child is included everywhere and strive to create a better future for all.
Information about the World Bank
The World Bank Group is one of the biggest sources of capital and information for countries in the developing world. Five of its institutions are committed to decreasing poverty, enhancing the prosperity of all, and encouraging sustainable development.
