The WASH imperative - Part 1 | How WASH impacts education and communities

Access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene is a fundamental human right, yet millions worldwide still lack it. Poor WASH services not only fuel the spread of diseases but also hinder education, economic growth, and gender equality. In schools, inadequate sanitation can reduce attendance, especially for girls, while in refugee camps, unsafe water creates daily struggles. Investing in WASH infrastructure can save lives, empower communities, and break the cycle of poverty

The critical role of wash in health and development

Water, sanitation, and hygiene are three crucial aspects of human life. Sanitation and hygiene are critical to health, development, and survival. Access to safe drinking water is essential for survival and should be given special consideration. Water is also essential for food and maintaining sanitary conditions. In addition, sufficient WASH is crucial in treating a variety of neglected tropical diseases (NTD), such as schistosomiasis. Studies have shown that access to clean drinking water can reduce childhood mortality by 40%, whereas good handwash can cut child mortality by as much as 50%. Educational WASH programs can boost attendance by more than 60%. Furthermore, for each dollar invested in WASH programs, a maximum of USD 46 is earned through improved efficiency (WHO).

Elias Batbouta, an innovative WASH expert at the REACH Initiative, added, “Some consider health and proper WASH services to be separate topics. In reality, they are interconnected, as adequate WASH services facilitate better access to healthcare and enhance the quality of health for the population. For instance, limited access to water and sanitation can lead to the spread of diseases, particularly in low-income and vulnerable communities.” WASH services are crucial for all, yet many countries face challenges, gaps remain, and inadequate standards hinder progress.

Wash and education

Education has the potential to transform lives. It is essential for establishing socioeconomic equality, well-off communities, and ending the cycle of poverty. Overlooking critical components of WASH education in schools has serious social consequences for children’s lives and well-being because poor sanitation, dirty water, and poor hygiene habits can be fatal, but they are especially dangerous for children. The benefits of safe access to water, sanitation, and hygiene at educational institutions are significant. Concentrating on WASH improves the health, development, and ongoing knowledge of children and their communities by lowering disease incidences such as cholera and diarrhoea. It is essential for the well-being of future generations. Schools can create a secure and caring environment for students to develop into educated, healthy, and involved citizens in their community.

The majority of children and young adults spend a significant amount of time at school. Thus, there is a significant opportunity to deliver targeted WASH educational programs and promote ideal hygiene behaviour, with long-term benefits for wellness and overall health. Educational institutions can encourage children and young adults to promote proper sanitation and hygiene in their own homes and communities, leading to better community health outcomes. Studies indicate that well-implemented school-based WASH programs not only reduce absenteeism but also increase school enrolment, particularly for young girls who might otherwise stay home due to inadequate menstrual hygiene facilities (UNICEF).

Education systems are less effective if they do not foster the health and well-being of their community. Therefore, the accessibility of clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene instruction has an important influence on children’s health and education. It has a direct impact not just on physical and mental health but also on economic and political progress. Hansen Roland, the senior program advisor and focal point for WASH at Malteser International, stated, “The progress made on delivering safe water, sanitation, and hygiene education has improved over the last decade, but more has to be done by governments, development organisations, and local communities, especially in developing countries such as Kenya and Uganda.” Moreover, certain groups remain the most vulnerable, such as women and young girls, and are affected by it on a daily basis. More female-friendly educational and workplace environments should be created by pushing for gender-equal policies and facilities.

Water supply and access

Access to water and sanitation is a human right and the most basic human need for health. Every human being has the right to practically accessible and affordable clean water of sufficient quality for both private and domestic purposes. However, many nations are constantly challenged to provide sufficient sanitation for their entire population, leaving large parts of their population without access. They also lack access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, and washing facilities with soap. Many of them live in low-income areas, developing countries, or countries experiencing conflict or unrest. Moreover, there is a vast difference in access between rural and urban areas.

Elias Batbouta highlighted a major obstacle: “There is insufficient financial investment in WASH infrastructure, especially in underserved and rural areas, resulting in outdated and inadequate facilities.” Without proper investment in WASH infrastructure, communities continue to struggle with unsafe water sources and limited sanitation options. This lack of investment leads to an increased burden of waterborne diseases, particularly affecting children under five years old. According to WHO, contaminated drinking water causes more than 485,000 deaths annually due to preventable diarrhoeal diseases.

Furthermore, other communities, such as refugees, face challenges with the access and delivery of WASH services. Refugees are increasingly being displaced for extended periods of time and frequently live in difficult environments with highly challenging conditions, going through extended periods without access to WASH services in refugee camps or host communities. Saja Al Addassi, a WASH professional, mentioned, “I believe it’s very crucial to provide support to all communities, especially in camp settings, such as where I used to work in Azraq refugee camp in Jordan. They are exposed to so many daily struggles and lack of basic WASH services. Because in the camp setting, it was not just about the infrastructure; it was also about changing behaviours and creating safe environments for the people.”

Access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene is a fundamental human right that is critical for community health, education, and overall well-being. The lack of proper WASH services remains a severe issue, most specifically for vulnerable groups like young women and refugees in developing countries. To address these gaps, authorities, NGOs, and local communities must work together to secure enough financial investment and infrastructure improvements. Moreover, prioritising WASH measures can help to minimise disease transmission and promote healthier, more resilient communities.

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