Why is lack of sanitation a problem?
According to the UN, approximately one third of people in the world do not have access to clean water for washing and toileting. This leads to the spread of disease and preventable deaths. While access to clean drinking water has improved, without basic sanitation, progress in improving living standards is undermined.
What are the aims of goal 6?
The UN estimates that almost 830,000 people die from diseases directly attributable to unsafe water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene practices each year. Goal 6 aims to achieve several ambitious targets by 2030:
- Universal access to safe and affordable drinking water
- Access to sanitation and hygiene for all, paying special attention to the needs of females and those in vulnerable situations, and end open defecation
- Improve water quality by reducing pollution, halving untreated wastewater and increasing recycling globally
- Increase water-use efficiency across all sectors, ensure fresh water supply and reduce the incidence of water scarcity
- Implement integrated water resources management, including through transboundary cooperation
- Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes
- Expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related programmes
- Support local communities in improving water and sanitation management.
How can communities contribute to achieving SDG 6?
Communities can contribute by adopting water-efficient practices, promoting proper sanitation and hygiene, participating in water conservation initiatives, and advocating for sustainable water management policies. Alison’s free online courses aim to empower people everywhere to play a part in improving health and wellbeing in their area through understanding the importance of hygiene, sustainable practices and environmental management.
