Clean Water Access Crisis

Battling Waterborne Diseases in South Asia: A Fight for Survival

Clean water access crisis
Water crisis in South Asia
Waterborne diseases in South Asia
NGOs in South Asia

In the vast expanse of South Asia, the looming water crisis is intricately linked to the alarming prevalence of waterborne diseases. As communities grapple with limited access to clean water and proper sanitation, the battle against waterborne diseases in South Asia becomes a fight for survival. Understanding the dire consequences of these diseases is essential to developing effective strategies for prevention and intervention.

A Silent Menace: Waterborne Diseases

In the labyrinthine alleys and remote villages of South Asia, waterborne diseases lurk, posing an invisible yet potent threat to public health.[1] Contaminated water sources, often used for drinking, cooking, and bathing, carry disease-causing pathogens that infiltrate human bodies. Diseases like diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A spread through these tainted water sources, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.[2]

The toll of waterborne diseases on South Asia is staggering. Each year, nearly 300,000 children under the age of 5 die from diarrhea alone due to the absence of clean water.[3] The suffering doesn’t stop there—waterborne illnesses burden healthcare systems, drain household resources, and hinder economic development. The cycle of illness and poverty tightens its grip, trapping families in a downward spiral.

Contaminated Water: A Breeding Ground

South Asia’s struggle with waterborne diseases is exacerbated by inadequate sanitation practices.[4] Open defecation, lack of proper toilet facilities, and poor waste disposal contaminate water sources, perpetuating disease transmission. The interconnectedness of clean water and sanitation becomes evident as communities grapple with the consequences of unhygienic conditions.[5]

The burden of waterborne diseases often falls heaviest on women and children. Women, as caregivers and water collectors, are exposed to contaminated sources while caring for their families. Children, with weaker immune systems, are especially vulnerable to the ravages of waterborne illnesses. School absenteeism due to illness further hampers education and future opportunities.[6]

Healthcare systems in South Asia strain under the weight of waterborne diseases. Overwhelmed clinics and hospitals struggle to provide care for the sick.[7] Productivity suffers as individuals fall ill and miss work or school. The vicious cycle of illness, absenteeism, and reduced productivity perpetuates poverty, hindering the region’s progress.[8]

Preventing waterborne diseases in South Asia demands a multi-pronged approach.

Access to clean water and improved sanitation are foundational. Communities must be empowered with knowledge about safe hygiene practices, water treatment, and waste disposal.[9] The adoption of water filtration methods, such as BioSand filters, offers a cost-effective means of purifying water at the household level.

Investments in healthcare infrastructure, disease surveillance, and medical facilities are vital to containing outbreaks and treating affected individuals. Training healthcare workers to recognize and manage waterborne diseases ensures timely interventions. Collaborative efforts between governments, non-governmental organizations, and healthcare professionals can yield significant progress.[10]

Amidst the battle against waterborne diseases in South Asia, there’s an opportunity to tangibly demonstrate God’s love and compassion. The urgency of clean water and improved sanitation is more than a physical challenge—it’s a way to reveal how much God loves and cares for His children.

By joining hands as a global community, we can become vessels of His love by supporting GFA World’s clean water projects. Through contributions to BioSand water filters and sponsorships of Jesus Wells, we practically extend God’s mercy to those in need.

Let’s collectively work toward providing clean water, opening the door for people to witness the love and grace of Christ in their lives. As we do, we build a bridge of transformation that connects individuals with the wellspring of God’s love.

Learn more about the clean water access crisis

[1] BBC News. “India Facing the ‘Worst Water Crisis in Its History,’” June 15, 2018. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-44492994.
[2] “Drinking Water.” World Health Organization. March 21, 2022. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drinking-water.
[3] Nandi, Arindam, Itamar Megiddo, Ashvin Ashok, Amit Verma, and Ramanan Laxminarayan. 2017. “Reduced Burden of Childhood Diarrheal Diseases through Increased Access to Water and Sanitation in India: A Modeling Analysis.” Social Science & Medicine 180 (May): 181–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.08.049.
[4] “Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.” UNICEF. 2015. https://www.unicef.org/india/what-we-do/water-sanitation-hygiene.
[5] “Billions around the World Lack Safe Water, Proper Sanitation Facilities, Reveals UN Report” UN News. July 12, 2017. https://news.un.org/en/story/2017/07/561362.
[6] “Drinking Water.” World Health Organization. March 21, 2022. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drinking-water.
[7] Hate, Vibhuti & Gannon, Seth. “Public Health in South Asia.” Center for Strategic and International Studies. 2010. https://www.csis.org/analysis/public-health-south-asia.
[8] “An Economic Crisis.” Water.org. 2016. https://water.org/our-impact/water-crisis/economic-crisis/.
[9] Holt, Palmer. “Dying of Thirst: The Global Water Crisis.” March 1, 2019. https://www.gfa.org/special-report/dying-of-thirst-global-water-crisis/#:~:text=Keeping%20It%20Local.
[10] Holt, Palmer. “Solving The World Water Crisis… For Good.” March 24, 2020. https://www.gfa.org/special-report/dying-of-thirst-global-water-crisis/#:~:text=The%20remedy%20is%20to%20bring%20local%20people%20into%20the%20projects%20from%20the%20start.