The Global Sanitation Crisis: Urgent Action Needed to Meet 2030 Goals
The world is alarmingly off-track to deliver sanitation for all by 2030. Despite progress in global sanitation coverage in recent years, over half the world’s population—4.2 billion people—use sanitation services that leave human waste untreated, threatening both human and environmental health. This report presents the state of sanitation in the world today, aiming to increase awareness of the progress made towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets for sanitation, and to identify opportunities to meet the remaining challenges. It calls on the Member States of the United Nations system and partners to urgently meet these challenges as part of the Global Acceleration Framework for SDG 6.
Current State of 
Despite improvements, the global sanitation crisis remains severe. Many communities, particularly in low-income countries, still lack access to basic sanitation facilities. This lack of access results in the widespread practice of open defecation, which contaminates water sources and contributes to the spread of diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and dysentery. These conditions disproportionately affect children, leading to high rates of child mortality and stunting due to repeated infections.
Progress and Challenges
In the past decade, efforts to improve sanitation have led to increased access to improved facilities for millions of people. However, these gains are unevenly distributed, with significant disparities between urban and rural areas, and among different socio-economic groups. For instance, while urban areas in some countries have seen marked improvements, rural regions often remain neglected. The poorest and most marginalized communities are the hardest hit, lacking the resources and infrastructure necessary for safe sanitation.
The Role of Governments and International Organizations
Governments and international organizations play a crucial role in addressing the sanitation crisis. Investments in infrastructure, education, and technology are essential to expanding access to safe sanitation. Policies must prioritize the most vulnerable populations, ensuring that no one is left behind. Public health campaigns and community-led initiatives can also drive behavior change, promoting the use of toilets and the importance of hygiene.
The Global Acceleration Framework
The Global Acceleration Framework for SDG 6 calls for coordinated efforts to achieve universal access to sanitation. This includes increasing financial investments, leveraging innovative technologies, and fostering partnerships across sectors. By working together, stakeholders can develop sustainable solutions that address the root causes of poor sanitation and ensure long-term benefits for all communities.
COVID-19 and Sanitation
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of sanitation and hygiene in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. It has also exacerbated existing inequalities, with marginalized communities facing greater difficulties in accessing sanitation services. As countries recover from the pandemic, there is an urgent need to integrate sanitation into broader public health and development strategies, ensuring resilient and inclusive systems.
Call to Action
The report urges immediate and sustained action to close the sanitation gap by 2030. This involves:
- Increased Investment: Allocating more financial resources to build and maintain sanitation infrastructure.
- Policy Reform: Implementing policies that promote equitable access to sanitation services.
- Community Engagement: Empowering communities to take ownership of sanitation projects through education and participation.
- Innovation: Leveraging new technologies and practices to provide affordable and sustainable sanitation solutions.
- Monitoring and Accountability: Strengthening data collection and monitoring systems to track progress and hold stakeholders accountable.
Achieving universal access to sanitation is a fundamental human right and a key component of sustainable development. The challenges are significant, but with concerted global effort, it is possible to make substantial progress. The Member States of the United Nations system and their partners must prioritize sanitation as a critical issue, investing in the health, dignity, and well-being of billions of people worldwide.
For More Information
Please contact: pubdoc@unicef.org Get the latest data, research, and analysis on the issues affecting children around the world. Discover our latest reports and explore by topic, with a special focus on COVID-19.
Community health workers are at the heart of UNICEF’s work to reach every child with lifesaving vaccines. Universal access for all and leaving no one behind is the guiding principle that will drive efforts to achieve sanitation for all by 2030.
Source: UNICEF
