Definition of Clean Water and Sanitation

Clean water and sanitation are vital for health, dignity, and development. Clean water is defined as safe for consumption and free from harmful contamination, while sanitation involves safely managing human waste to prevent disease. Access to these resources is severely limited in countries like Chad and the Central African Republic, where only 6% of the population has safe drinking water. Other affected countries include Niger, Ethiopia, and Papua New Guinea, where water insecurity forces individuals, especially women and girls, to spend hours retrieving unsafe water, leading to waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea. Inadequate sanitation often results in open defecation or shared latrines, exposing communities to health risks and increasing social stigma and violence, particularly for women. Coping mechanisms include storing rainwater and purchasing water, but these come with risks. The lack of clean water and sanitation stunts economic growth, educational opportunities, and gender equality. Ultimately, access to safe water and sanitation is crucial for reducing disease, supporting overall health, and enabling sustainable development, as it combats poverty and fosters resilience within communities.