Understanding WASH: Essential for Global Health and Growth

WASH stands for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene. It's crucial for reducing diseases, improving nutrition, education, and economic growth, yet 2 billion people lack safe drinking water.

By 2025, half of the world's population could be living in water-stressed areas. Water scarcity affects all continents, hindering human and environmental health.

Proper sanitation prevents waterborne diseases and can save 1.5 million lives annually. Yet, 4.2 billion people lack access to safe sanitation services.

Handwashing can reduce respiratory infections by 16%. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hygiene practices were pivotal in controlling virus transmission.

Investing in WASH can return $4.30 for every dollar spent, stemming from lower health costs, more productivity, and fewer premature deaths.

Climate change exacerbates WASH issues, affecting water availability and quality. It can undermine decades of progress, making WASH adaptation strategies vital.

Solar-powered water purification, eco-san toilets, and rainwater harvesting are sustainable innovations addressing global WASH challenges, making clean water and sanitation more accessible.