International organisations have come together to call for greater investment to deliver water and sanitation services in the world’s poorest countries.
The international water sector is currently holding its annual conference in Stockholm, Sweden, during World Water Week (25 to 30 August). The meeting coincides with a new report by the World Health Organisation and UN-Water, released today (28 August).
The report states “that weak government systems and a lack of human resources and funds” are holding back the delivery of water and sanitation services, and there must be an urgent increase in investment.
The ‘GLAAS’ report – Global Assessment and Analysis of Sanitation and Drinking-Water 2019 – covers 4.5 billion people living in 115 countries and territories.
There is a funding gap of more than 60% between identified needs and available funding in 19 countries and one territory, and fewer than 15% of countries have sufficient financial or human resources to implement their plans.
World Health Organisation Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said: “Too many people lack access to reliable and safe drinking-water, toilets and handwashing facilities, putting them at risk of deadly infections and threatening progress in public health.
“Water and sanitation systems don’t just improve health and save lives, they are a critical part of building more stable, secure and prosperous societies. We call on all countries that lack essential water and sanitation infrastructure to allocate funds and human resources to build and maintain it.”
Chair of UN-Water, Mr Gilbert F Houngbo, added: “If we are to create a healthier, more equitable and stable society, then strengthening the systems to reach those currently living without safe and affordable water, sanitation and hygiene services must be a top priority.”
https://www.who.int/entity/water_sanitation_health/publications/glaas-report-2019/en/index.html
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