UNICEF and WHO have confirmed the improvement in access to water in Tanzania

World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have confirmed that there is an improvement in the access of basic and safety water system in Tanzania. This is contained in a report released on Thursday, 13th of July, as published on the African Press Organisation website.

The report confirmed that about 27 Million Tanzanians now have access to basic water services – that are within a 30-minute round trip collection time including queuing.

However, it is also stated that, “progress on sanitation and hygiene has been slow as 63% of Tanzanians still have no access to improved sanitation.” Outside Tanzania, according to available statistics, “Worldwide some 3 in 10 people or 2.1 billion, lack access to safe, readily available water at home and 6 in 10, or 4.4 billion, lack safely managed sanitation.”

According to statistics, “Globally, report shows that billions of people have gained access to basic drinking water and sanitation services since 2000, but these services do not necessarily provide safe water and sanitation. Many homes, healthcare facilities and schools still lack soap and water for handwashing. This puts the health of all people – especially young children – at risk for diseases, such as diarrhea.

“As a result, every year, globally 361 000 children under 5 years die due to diarrhea. Poor access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services continues to impact child survival and health. In Tanzania 8% of deaths of children under 5 is caused by preventable diarrhea.”

Maniza Zaman, UNICEF Representative in Tanzania, highlighted poor hygiene, open defecation and lack of access to safe water and sanitation systems, as factors leading to illness and death. He further noted that they also contribute to undernutrition and stunting.

“Not only are poor hygiene, open defecation, and lack of access to safe water and sanitation systems leading causes of child illness and death, they contribute to undernutrition and stunting, and act as barriers to education for girls and to economic opportunity for the poor.

“This new data is a reality check and shows stark inequities, including in Tanzania, in terms of who benefit from safe water and sanitation services. It is a call to spark a truly national movement for water, sanitation and hygiene so that everyone is reached especially the under-served areas, poorest communities and the most vulnerable children, including children with disabilities,” Maniza Zaman added.

Correspondent: Ridwan A. Olayiwola