Access to clean and safe water is a fundamental right for human beings and vital to health and well-being. However, not everyone enjoys this privilege, and as a result, water-related diseases continue to pose a significant global health risk and challenge.
Some populations are more at risk of water-related diseases than others, and these illnesses can be easily caught and spread among a vulnerable population.
Lack of infrastructure and poverty are significant hurdles to achieving a safe source of drinking water. Therefore, steps are needed to be put in place in affected communities to prevent the spread of waterborne illnesses.
Water-related illnesses, also known as waterborne diseases, are caused by ingestion or close contact with contaminated water sources. This can include untreated or inadequately treated water from rivers, lakes, wells, or other water supplies.
Contamination can occur due to the presence of harmful microorganisms, chemicals, or pollutants. Consuming or using contaminated water for activities like bathing and cooking can lead to the transmission of diseases.
People living in areas without access to clean and safe water sources are at the highest risk of becoming sick from waterborne diseases. This includes many developing countries and isolated communities where sanitation and infrastructure are lacking.
Refugees, internally displaced people, and those living in regions affected by natural disasters or conflicts often lack access to proper sanitation facilities, making them more susceptible to waterborne illnesses.
The fact that medical facilities are often also affected by wars, earthquakes, and other natural disasters only exacerbates the risk of waterborne illnesses taking hold of communities and causing serious and sometimes even fatal disease outbreaks.
Children, especially those under five years old, are highly vulnerable to water-related diseases due to their underdeveloped immune systems and greater likelihood of consuming contaminated water. They are also highly likely to be unaware of the dangers that are linked to drinking and bathing in water that is unclean or contaminated with bacteria or toxic pollutants.
Even with an enhanced immune system, people can still become sick from coming into contact with contaminated water. If a bacterial infection is acquired from a water source, then a strong immune system can give an individual a chance to fight off an infection.
However, if there is no access to food or nutrient-rich foods, and the majority of the population is left malnourished, then the consequences of any infection can be devastating to individuals and an entire population of people.
Ensuring access to safe and clean water is crucial for the health of a population. Governments and organisations should invest in water infrastructure and treatment facilities to provide communities with a reliable source of usable water.
Regular medical check-ups and vaccinations can bolster immune systems, making individuals more resilient to waterborne diseases.
Promoting proper sanitation practices, including hand washing and waste disposal, can significantly reduce the risk of water contamination. Education about handwashing and hygiene practices is essential in preventing further contamination of the environment within a community.
Another step to prevent water-related diseases is household use of water treatment methods such as boiling, filtration, or chemical disinfection to make water safe for consumption. Protecting water sources from pollution and ensuring responsible waste disposal are crucial to maintaining the quality of available water.
In disaster-prone areas, establishing emergency response plans that address water and sanitation needs is essential to prevent outbreaks of water-related diseases. A rapid response in such a situation is best before disease can take hold in a community.
International collaboration and investments are the best way forward in providing clean water and sanitation facilities to vulnerable communities worldwide.