SWA launches campaign to improve access to safe water

Sanitation and Water for All (SWA), a global partnership involving governments and civil society organisations, has launched a new campaign to expand access to safe water.

The move is undertaken as a step to restrict the spread of Covid-19, a disease which has killed more than 300,000 people globally.

According to the organisation, 40% of the global population does not have proper handwashing facility at home. This unavailability makes the deprived people more vulnerable to the disease.

SWA urged the government and other partners to provide more focus on water, sanitation and hygiene to make these amenities available to everyone.

It also called on the stakeholders to prioritise the mobilisation of finance to support the countries in combating Covid-19, and ensure that water and sanitation systems are sustainable.

SWA’s High-level Chair Kevin Rudd said: “Access to clean water and sanitation is absolutely crucial to slow the spread of Covid-19. This is particularly important in countries with fragile healthcare systems or where social distancing is harder.

“The support from world leaders for this Call to Action is a strong demonstration of their support for the work of the United Nations’ partnership Sanitation and Water for All.

“Now we need to make sure this political message turns into additional practical action on the ground, especially as the risk of a third wave of this virus across a number of developing countries increases.”

The African Development Bank has also joined the campaign. Over the last decade, the bank has invested around $6.2bn to improve water supply and sanitation.