Siri Battula - Section Editor Global Efforts Department
Link: https://www.unicef.org/reports/triple-threat-wash-disease-climate [link to download report on right column of this page]
In the report article “Triple threat: How disease, climate risks, and unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene create a deadly combination for children” the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) outlines the effects of poor sanitation or access to safe water on children’s health. This report specifically points out the burden of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) related diseases in developing countries. According to the report, WASH-related health issues cause the deaths of a thousand children under five every day. The fourth leading cause of these deaths are diarrheal diseases, many of which are sourced from unclean drinking water. These conditions are what the report calls “triple threats.” Components of the triple threat include inadequate access to clean drinking water, inadequate access to basic sanitation, and high risk of climate and environmental hazards. To address this, between 2018 and 2021, UNICEF achieved its ambitious WASH target of providing 60 million people with safe drinking water. UNICEF’s new target is reaching 450 million children with resilient plans for safe drinking water and sanitation. To do this, UNICEF is currently seeking support from the governments of UN member nations and partners to triple the current investment to US$144 billion per year.
In addition to increasing the budget for WASH, developing resilient plans for communities in areas susceptible to high-water vulnerability is key. UNICEF’s goal in developing such plans seems to be the priority of leaving no one behind. This global water crisis is putting thousands of communities at risk, with environmental pollution only adding onto the water insecurity burdens. Our environmental impact has effects globally, all the way up to children’s health in water scarce areas. Reducing our environmental impact will help us reduce the effects of pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions in our own communities as well.
References
Triple threat: How disease, climate risks, and unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene create a deadly combination for children. (2023, March). United Nations Children's Fund. https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.unicef.org%2Freports%2Ftriple-threat-wash-disease-climate&source=gmail&ust=1685120960920000&usg=AOvVaw0ahNnewxnZraVh26tvreBl
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