Links
Between Water Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) and Malnutrition
It is becoming clearer as time goes on that two of the worst
problems plaguing impoverished communities around the world are interrelated:
malnutrition and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) are often treated as
separate issues, but increasing evidence is emerging suggesting that an unsanitary environment can in fact be
one of the leading causes of
malnutrition among children and adults alike.
The World Health Organisation estimates that up to ‘50%
of malnutrition is associated with repeated diarrhoea or intestinal worm
infections as a result of unsafe water,
inadequate sanitation or insufficient hygiene’[1]. These figures are enormous,
especially when one considers that such diseases are often preventable by the
simple act of handwashing. As stated in a report by Action Against Hunger,
handwashing with soap reduces the risk
of contracting a diarrheic infection by around 47%, which could prevent the
deaths of up to 1 million children a
year[2].
These statistics highlight the importance of WASH programmes and
initiatives across the globe, and show us that it is through by the simplest of
actions that we can begin to make a truly significant change.
Look out for our upcoming
crowdfunding campaign, where we will be raising funds to carry out our WASH
programme in four underprivileged schools.Click Here To Make A Contribution
Click Here To Make A Contribution : https://goo.gl/icvZ6l
[1]Source:
2013: Pugh, Velleman ‘Undernutrition and water, sanitation and hygiene’;(n.p.) wateraid.org
[2]
Source: 2005, rev. 2007: Departement Technique A.C.F. Interactions of: Malnutrition, Water Sanitation and Hygiene, Infections;
(p.4) http://www.actionagainsthunger.org/sites/default/files/publications/Malnutrition_-_WASH_-_infections_English.pdf Last accessed 17/12/15
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