Water As a Necessity – People in Developing Countries Need Water.

Water is a basic necessity, and there is no debate about that. However, while many individuals are lucky to have access to clean and safe drinking water, others are not. In fact, according to a WHO report from 2019, 1 in 3 people do not have access to safely managed drinking water (World Health Organization, 2019). This equates to approximately 2.5 billion people worldwide.

Water is essential to the body and its functions, such as removing waste, regulating temperature, aiding digestion, and helping deliver nutrients. Without it, the body struggles to function and eventually, a lack of water can result in death. The UN Sustainable Development Goals were created in 2012 to create real change worldwide, with Goal 6 being universal access to clean water and sanitation. However, while progress towards water access has been steady over the years, many communities lack safely managed water, particularly those in rural areas. These discrepancies have large implications, impacting individual health and overall quality of life. Without access to safe drinking water, rural communities face higher risks of diseases, leading to higher mortality rates.

To address issues related to a lack of safe water, many organizations have worked to develop solutions such as water purification technologies, wells, and infrastructure to support these communities. In recent years, technology has played a role in advancing accessibility. Newly developed data collection tools are used to monitor water quality and enable more efficient management of resources. These efforts will provide relief and create long-term solutions.

However, there are still many areas that need addressing. Achieving universal access to clean water requires managing issues of government policy and education. Governments need to prioritize water as a fundamental human right and ensure that communities have sufficient allocation. Furthermore, educating individuals about the importance of water conservation and proper sanitation can empower communities to contribute to the long-term preservation of their water sources.

Overall, while significant steps have been taken to improve water access, there remains a large portion of the world that lacks access to this basic necessity. By implementing new technologies, addressing issues of government, and educating communities, we can move closer to a world in which everyone has the means to safe drinking water.

References:

World Health Organization. (2019, June 18). 1 in 3 people globally do not have access to safe drinking water – UNICEF, who. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news/item/18-06-2019 -1-in-3-people-globally-do-not-have-access-to-safe-drinking-water-unicef-who#:~:text=Some%202.2%20billion%20people%20around,lack%20basic**%20handwashing%20facilities.