A quarter of the global population struggles for clean water access

More than 2 billion people in the world do not have access to safe, drinkable water and in Italy 7 million people are not connected to the public sewerage system. Yet guaranteeing the right to water is one of the pillars for protecting human rights

In a striking revelation timed with World Water Day on March 22, the report “Flowing Futures” from the Italian organization WeWorld highlights a critical global challenge: a quarter of the world’s population does not have access to safe and potable water. Furthermore, the issue of water access is intricately linked to gender: an astounding 500 million people worldwide lack access to the necessary facilities and products to manage menstruation.

“Flowing Futures” delves into various themes related to water availability, including gender equality, inclusion, community resilience, health, and climate. It identifies key areas under severe water stress, primarily due to climate change, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address this multifaceted crisis.

Water access around the world

In Syria, the ongoing conflict has severely damaged water infrastructure, making it particularly vulnerable to health emergencies, including cholera outbreaks. An estimated 16.7 million people require humanitarian assistance, with 5.5 million of them being internally displaced.

In Burundi, 54% of the population lacks access to adequate sanitation services, and only 62% have access to basic drinking water services—a figure that drops to 58% in rural areas compared to 91% in urban areas. In rural regions, 9 out of 10 people (96%) have limited access to basic sanitation facilities, which lack water and soap. Furthermore, 47% of public schools are without water services.

In Kenya, just 63% of households have access to basic drinking water services (53% in rural areas); only 37% have access to basic sanitation services, and 29% suffer from limited access to sanitation facilities, where both water and soap are missing. In rural areas, 1 in 4 schools lacks water services, and only half have basic sanitation facilities. WeWorld has initiated projects, including the construction of 42 gender-segregated sanitation blocks, to facilitate safer water access, especially for girls and young women.

In Nicaragua, climate change jeopardizes access to water and sanitation services, with women particularly at risk due to social and economic vulnerabilities. Reduced water availability and poor water quality increase the risk of diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and malaria. As of 2023, only 58% of health care facilities had access to basic water services (39% in rural areas).

This comprehensive report sheds light on the dire water crisis facing various parts of the globe, calling for immediate action to ensure access to this essential resource for all, particularly the most vulnerable populations.