To focus attention on the importance of
clean water and to advocate for the sustainable management of fresh water
resources, on March 22nd of every year we observe International World Water
Day.
Safe drinking water is fundamental to
healthy lives and prosperous communities. To focus attention on the importance
of clean water and to advocate for the sustainable management of fresh water
resources, on March 22nd of every year we observe International World Water
Day.
Every person needs at least twenty liters
of water per day for drinking, cooking, sanitation, and hygiene needs alone.
Yet some 2 billion people world-wide do not have access to safe drinking water,
and more than 2.4 billion people do not have access to improved sanitation for
adequate disposal of human waste. People who do not have access to clean water
and sanitation are at greatly increased risk of infectious diseases, which can
lead to physical and cognitive impairments and premature death.
Contaminated water and poor sanitation are
among the main causes of severe diarrhea diseases in the very young, the
second leading cause of death in children under five years old. According to
the World Health Organization, or WHO, some 760,000 young children die of
diarrhea diseases across the world every year. It is further estimated that as
few as five incidences of diarrhea in children under the age of two can lead to
lifelong effects, such as developmental delays and stunting.
Clearly, an adequate supply of safe water
and access to basic sanitation are the most basic necessities of life. But the
importance of clean water goes so much further than the assurance of hydration
and cleanliness.
This year’s theme for the United Nations
World Water Day is Better Water, Better Jobs. The slogan is meant to bring
attention to the fact that nearly all jobs, regardless of the sector, depend
directly on water. Cleaner water makes for a safer, more productive
environment, results in healthier food, and contributes to a greener economy
and sustainable development.
But ensuring that people everywhere have
access to all the clean water they need, where they need it, when they need it,
reliably and sustainably, requires global cooperation.
On this World Water Day, the United States
remains steadfast in our commitment to achieving a water-secure future, and we
invite all stakeholders to partner with us to save water and save lives.
Source: VOA
“Water is life, and clean water means
health”
Audrey Hepburn
