Water is a fundamental resource for human existence and, when provided in the right conditions, has the power to catalyze significant improvements in several areas. On the other hand, when untreated or contaminated water is consumed, people who come into contact with it can develop waterborne diseases.
Sustainable Goal 6 (SDG) aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of drinking water and sanitation for all. SDG 6 recognizes the fundamental need to ensure that everyone, everywhere has access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities.
Researching and learning about SDG 6 is the beginning of understanding the problem of basic sanitation. Despite progress, we still face significant water and sanitation challenges in many parts of the world. Billions of people still don't have access to drinking water, and the lack of basic sanitation puts the health and dignity of millions of people at risk. In Brazil specifically, almost 35 million people live without treated water and around 100 million have no access to sewage collection
Water bottlenecks: why lack of sanitation is a sign of imminent danger
Water bottlenecks manifest themselves in various ways - from the contamination of water by pollutants to the absence of basic sanitation facilities. Water, which should be a safe resource for consumption, becomes a silent danger when sanitation is neglected. Waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and cholera become epidemics, especially affecting the most vulnerable populations. What is little talked about is that the lack of treated water and adequate sanitation not only threatens health but also imposes significant burdens on the economy. Health costs increase, productivity decreases and the cycle of poverty is perpetuated. It's a vicious cycle that can only be broken through urgent action and effective strategies.
A call to action: move today
This is not just a warning; it is a call to action. We must unite to tackle water bottlenecks by investing in sanitation infrastructure, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting initiatives that seek to bring clean water to all. The sanitation crisis is not a battle that can be won by isolated individuals but by a global community committed to change. By informing ourselves, sharing knowledge, and taking action, we can be part of the solution our planet so desperately needs.
One of the important steps towards changing this reality is investment in rural sanitation. Investments in sanitation in poor communities not only improve local health and well-being but can also reduce absenteeism (both among employees and in the community), lower health costs and improve the company's image. It's a win-win situation, both for large organizations and for those who don't have access to this basic need.
We are facing a serious problem with the lack of treated water and sanitation and, believe me, you can make a difference. What are you doing to change this reality? Let's take a look at the challenges faced by communities without quality water. Support local initiatives, adopt sustainable practices at home, push for political change, get to know companies that work with impact and focus on SDG 6, such as Sustainable Development & Water For All (SDW), and spread the word on social media. Every step counts towards building a future in which everyone has access to good quality water.
With gratitude,
Anna Luisa Beserra
Founder and CEO of Sustainable Development & Water For All
LinkedIn: @Anna Luisa Beserra
Instagram: @ Anna Luísa Beserra
SDG 6
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