1 in 4 Lacks Access to Safe Drinking Water Globally

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, one in four people worldwide lacks access to safe drinking water. Furthermore, billions live without toilets and sanitation.

The report highlights that 2.1 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water, while 3.4 billion live without sanitation, with 354 million defecating in the open. Additionally, 1.7 billion people lack hygiene facilities at home.

Despite improvements since 2015, with 1.6 billion people gaining access to basic hygiene services, the international community remains far from achieving the goal of universal coverage in water and sanitation services.

Cecilia Sharp, WHO Director for WASH, emphasized that the lack of access to safe water and sanitation jeopardizes the health, education, and future of children, with inequalities being particularly acute for girls.