This graphic is a product of the Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) realised by WHO and UNICEF on access to water and sanitation in the world.
The graphic shows that in 42 countries out of 77 regularly assessed, less than half of the population has access to easy handwashing at home.
In the face of COVID 19, it is essential to wash hands with soap several times a day. As we know, this is one of the essential barrier gestures to avoid becoming infected with the virus and transmitting it to those close to you.
Similarly, it is recommended, when it is not mandatory, to remain as much as possible confined to one’s home and to respect the distance of at least one metre between people. Do not shake hands or kiss each other until further notice!
In order to fight against COVID 19, it is therefore essential, when there is no access to water at home, to set up a service of proximity access to drinking water so that people can wash their hands and clean the containers used.
Safe drinking water is important because we know that unsafe water contains dangerous water-borne diseases such as cholera, hepatitis or diarrhoea, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Humanitarian organizations specializing in access to safe drinking water, hygiene and sanitation have a major preventive role to play in protecting populations from the spread of the virus by informing them and adapting existing programmes against the spread of COVID 19.
The Solidarités International association has just published the sixth edition of the “Barometer 2020 of water, hygiene and sanitation”.
Find the WHO-UNICEF 2019 Report in pdf format.
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