Global Water Crisis: 4.4 Billion Lack Safe Drinking Water

A recent study published in the journal Science reveals that approximately 4.4 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.

Conducted by researchers, including Esther Greenwood from the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, the study indicates that over half of the global population may be without clean, accessible water. Almost half of those affected reside in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

This alarming situation underscores the urgent need for change, as highlighted by Greenwood. In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF estimated that 2.2 billion people were without safe drinking water. The UN has recognized access to safe drinking water as a human right since 2015.

Additionally, the ongoing conflict in Gaza has worsened water insecurity, with the WHO warning of potential polio outbreaks due to deteriorating sanitation conditions.