8.7 access to safe water and sanitation as factors affecting HS and HD

what is safe water

water that is not contaminated with disease causing pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, or chemicals such as lead and mercury

why is it important

safe water is important as it is essential for consumption, food preparation and cooking, washing and hygiene, and agriculture and production

how does safe water affect HS

most diseases are waterborne, meaning they can spread easily, increasing the incidence and prevalence of diarrhoea and cholera

how does safe water affect HD

lack of access to safe water can mean that children have to spend more time collecting it, reducing school attendance and education. This leads to fewer job opportunities in the future and lowers their ability to earn a decent income and access to resources required for a decent standard of living

what is access to sanitation

sanitation refers to the provision of facilities and services for the safe disposal of human urine and faeces

how does sanitation affect HS

inadequate sanitation is one of the main causes of contaminated water supplies, this leads to an icreased rate of DALY from infectious diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera

how does sanitation affect HD

inadequate access to sanitation keeps girls out of school, especially during menstruation. This decreases access to knowledge, which also means that girls are unable to participate in decisions affecting their lives by choosing which career they pursue