Clean Water and Sanitation: Transforming Underprivileged Children's Health

Posted On: 2023-10-10 12:08:25

A fundamental human right, access to clean water and adequate sanitation is sometimes taken for granted in developed nations. However, this fundamental requirement is a far-off dream for millions of disadvantaged kids worldwide. According to a study from the UN's 2023 World Water Conference, 2 billion people utilise hazardous drinking water sources worldwide, or 25% of the world's population. One in three people (2.3 billion) lack access to basic hand washing facilities at home, and nearly half of humanity—3.6 billion- live without access to securely managed sanitation.

According to the studies, the "ongoing water and sanitation crisis is a threat to everyone as poor water management increases or multiplies the risks in all aspects of life." In addition, the issue is getting worse because of the expanding population, the need for water from industry and agriculture, and more frequent and severe floods and droughts. The impact of Clean Water and Sanitation on children’s health prevents waterborne diseases, improves nutritional health, and enhances hygiene practices. 

However, there are challenges faced by many underprivileged children such as:

1. Lack of Infrastructure: The infrastructure required to provide clean water and sanitary amenities is lacking in many impoverished regions. Children use dangerous water sources and insufficient sanitary facilities, endangering their health.
2. Poverty and Limited Resources: Families' capacity to invest in appropriate sanitation and clean water solutions is frequently constrained by poverty. Families prioritise short-term necessities above long-term infrastructure expenditures, which feeds the vicious cycle of ill health and inadequate facilities.
3. Hygiene Education and Practices: Children from poor families may lack an understanding of the significance of handwashing, personal cleanliness, and proper disposal of waste due to a lack of knowledge and education on hygiene practices. This ignorance may contribute to the spread of illness and disease.
4. Impact on Education: Regular attendance at school may be hampered by the time spent getting water, diseases brought on by contaminated water, or inadequate sanitary facilities. Their prospects for the future and access to education are hampered by this.

To eradicate this problem, as an individual we can implement educational programs, and collaborate with government initiatives, and NGOs to invest in developing clean water infrastructure and sanitation facilities in underprivileged areas. Filaantro along with Child Help Foundation since inception has been working hard to reduce the problems faced by underprivileged children and their families of contaminated water and sanitation problems

Engaging with local schools, and healthcare facilities to spread awareness and change behaviours, with the help of various donors to fund initiatives, the organization could help in constructing proper sanitation facilities. Under the Clean Water and Sanitation Programme, toilet constructions, new water purifiers in schools and rural areas, and various activities and sessions 99,133 people benefitted to date. 

For the health and well-being of disadvantaged children, access to clean water and sanitary facilities is crucial. We can significantly improve their lives and enhance their health, nutrition, and general quality of life by addressing the issues and putting permanent solutions into place. To make a society where everyone has access to clean water and good sanitation, it is imperative that we cooperate, push for change, and invest in the future of these children.

AUTHOR: ATHIRA PRADEEP NAIR