The Global Challenge of Accessing Basic Water and Sanitation

In many parts of Santa Marta, Colombia, particularly impoverished areas like La Paz, the availability of water can be sporadic at best. Here, children stand beside a rain barrel, positioned under a metal roof to capture rainwater, a vital source for their daily needs.

Amaka Godfrey vividly remembers the central role that water played as she grew up in Nigeria.

As a child, each school day began with her carrying a water container to her primary school, which had no water supply itself. This habit continued into her boarding school years, where she secured her water can to her bed to prevent theft by her peers.

A World Health Organization report confirms that Godfrey's experiences are not unique, noting that a quarter of the global population lacks access to clean drinking water.

For many, turning on a faucet to get a clean drink is not an option—an issue faced by over two billion people worldwide.

The sanitation situation is even more concerning, with 3.4 billion people lacking stable access to safe sanitary systems, like functioning toilets. Astonishingly, 354 million individuals have no choice but to relieve themselves outdoors, posing serious health concerns.

Data shows that those in less affluent nations are more than twice as likely to lack essential water and sanitation services compared to their counterparts in wealthier countries. This immense gap complicates comprehension for those in developed regions, who may struggle to grasp the daily challenges faced by others.

A Personal Account and Broader Insights

NPR engaged in a conversation with Amaka Godfrey, now leading international programs at WaterAid, to discuss her childhood without ready access to water, the findings of the latest WHO report, and the strides still needed globally.

Residing in London now, Godfrey's memories of her early years in southeastern Nigeria remain vivid. She recounts the unpleasant experience with sanitation facilities as a child—having no proper toilets, her family relied on a bucket system that left distinct, unpleasant memories.

Her family eventually moved to an apartment with toilet facilities, yet the unreliability of the water supply often meant using wash water to flush.

Her primary school lacked any water facilities. For Godfrey and her classmates, bringing five-liter containers of water to school was routine, a means to quench their thirst and for teachers to use.

Reflecting further, Godfrey identifies with her moderate level of privilege, being able to source water at home due to her teacher parent, unlike many peers who sought water from natural sources like rivers, risking safety especially during rains.

Boarding school introduced new challenges—the pit toilets posed hygiene issues with constrained water amounts, and guarding one's supply became crucial. Students often locked up their water jerry cans to prevent theft.

Upon starting her education in England, the abundance of water in student residences was a revelation. Adjusting to this availability meant letting go of her habits of water storage.

Global Efforts and Remaining Challenges

Godfrey values data regarding water and sanitation as vital for tracking improvements. Worldwide connections reveal the ties between clean water access and broader economic and health benefits.

Despite progress, the challenge remains substantial. Some positive advancements are visible, as communities previously without water now benefit from solar-powered systems.

Technology and education contribute to these improvements, but both urban and rural areas face unique hurdles. Urban expansion and inadequate infrastructure exacerbated by swift population growth reveal the urgent need for heightened investment.

In conclusion, engaging youth and embedding an understanding of water's integral role is crucial for achieving substantial advancements. Godfrey aspires to witness these changes, confident that the younger generation can drive forward momentum with renewed awareness.