The data in this report show that the world is not on track to meet the MDG sanitation target, and 2.5 billion people still lack access to improved sanitation, including 1.2 billion who have no facilities at all. The message is clear: We need to greatly accelerate progress in sanitation, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia. The number of people who still do not have access to improved sanitation is staggering, and we know that the disease, loss of earnings and indignity lock huge numbers of people into poverty.
But the news is not all bad. Although greater impetus is needed, the data show that people are choosing to move up the ‘sanitation ladder’, abandoning open defecation and revealing a demand for sanitation facilities.
In the case of drinking water supply, the news is good. For the first time, the number of people without improved drinking water has dropped below one billion. More than half of the global population now benefits from piped water reaching their homes, and the numbers using unimproved water supplies are going down. But we must maintain our efforts and galvanize the global community to continue to advance, focusing on those countries and regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, which are struggling to stay on track.
The overall message from this report is positive. Progress can be made, and the sanitation and drinking water battle can be won.
