What's Happening?
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of safe and readily available water for public health, highlighting challenges in achieving universal access to drinking water. Despite progress, 2.2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water services. Contaminated water is linked to diseases such as cholera and dysentery, posing significant health risks. WHO's guidelines for drinking-water quality focus on managing risks and ensuring water safety from catchment to consumer. The organization collaborates with UNICEF to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene in healthcare facilities.
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Why It's Important?
Access to safe drinking water is crucial for preventing water-related diseases and improving public health. WHO's guidelines provide a framework for managing water quality and reducing health risks. Ensuring safe water access can lead to better health outcomes, increased school attendance, and economic productivity. Addressing water contamination is vital for reducing preventable health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations. These efforts contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims for universal access to water and sanitation.
What's Next?
WHO will continue to support countries in implementing drinking-water quality guidelines and improving water safety plans. Collaboration with governments and stakeholders will be essential to address water challenges and ensure long-term sustainability. Monitoring and evaluation will play a key role in tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement. Efforts to improve water access and quality are expected to enhance health outcomes and support economic development.
