Unimproved source of drinking water and its associated factors: a spatial and multilevel analysis of Ethiopian demographic and health survey – BMC Public Health

Sustainable Development Goals and Access to Safe Drinking Water

Introduction

Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental human right and a critical component of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs, adopted by the United Nations in 2015, aim to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. Goal 6 specifically focuses on ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all. This report examines the current state of access to safe drinking water in Ethiopia and its implications for achieving the SDGs.

Research Findings

1. Abegaz et al. (2021) conducted a study in the Guto Gida District of Ethiopia and found that the quality and safety of rural community drinking water sources were inadequate, posing a risk to public health.
2. Cassivi et al. (2018) emphasized the importance of timely access to drinking water in preventing waterborne diseases and improving health outcomes.
3. Tetteh et al. (2022) investigated spatial heterogeneity in drinking water sources in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area of Ghana, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve access.
4. Prüss-Ustün et al. (2014) conducted a retrospective analysis of data from 145 countries and estimated the burden of disease from inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene, emphasizing the need for improved access to safe drinking water.
5. Beyene et al. (2015) assessed the current state and trends of access to sanitation in Ethiopia, highlighting the need to revise indicators to monitor progress in the post-2015 era.

Impact on Health and Well-being

• Access to safe drinking water is essential for preventing waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, which can have severe health consequences, particularly for children (Freeman et al., 2017).
• Poor sanitation and inadequate access to clean water contribute to the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries (Mills et al., 2016).
• Neglected tropical waterborne infectious diseases pose a significant public health challenge, underscoring the importance of improving access to safe drinking water (Saxena et al., 2018).

Challenges and Opportunities

• Limited access to improved drinking water sources and sanitation facilities remains a significant challenge in Ethiopia (Belay et al., 2022).
• Addressing disparities in access to safe drinking water requires a comprehensive understanding of the spatial distribution of unimproved water sources (Bogale et al., 2020).
• Multilevel analysis can provide insights into the determinants of access to safe drinking water at the household and community levels (Feleke et al., 2018).

Conclusion

Ensuring universal access to safe drinking water is crucial for achieving the SDGs. The current state of access to safe drinking water in Ethiopia highlights the need for targeted interventions and policy reforms. Multilevel approaches can help identify the factors influencing access to safe drinking water and inform evidence-based decision-making. By addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with access to safe drinking water, Ethiopia can make significant progress towards achieving the SDGs and improving the health and well-being of its population.

References

1. Abegaz MT, Midekssa MJ, Health P. Quality and Safety of Rural Community Drinking Water Sources in Guto Gida District, Oromia, Ethiopia. 2021;2021.
2. Cassivi A, Johnston R, Waygood E, Dorea CJ. Health Access to drinking water: time matters. 2018;16(4):661–6.
3. Tetteh JD, Templeton MR, Cavanaugh A, Bixby H, Owusu G, Yidana SM, et al. Spatial heterogeneity in drinking water sources in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA). Ghana. 2022;44(1–2):46–76.
4. Prüss-Ustün A, Bartram J, Clasen T, Colford JM Jr, Cumming O, Curtis V et al. Burden of disease from inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene in low‐and middle‐income settings: a retrospective analysis of data from 145 countries. 2014;19(8):894–905.
5. Beyene A, Hailu T, Faris K, Kloos H. Current state and trends of access to sanitation in Ethiopia and the need to revise indicators to monitor progress in the Post-2015 era. 2015;15(1):1–8.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Target 6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.
   • Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
   • Indicator 6.2.1: Proportion of population using safely managed sanitation services, including a handwashing facility with soap and water.

2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.
   • Indicator 3.3.1: Number of new HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected population, by sex, age, and key populations.
   • Indicator 3.3.2: Tuberculosis incidence per 100,000 population.
   • Indicator 3.3.5: Number of people requiring interventions against neglected tropical diseases.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation	Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.	Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation	Target 6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.	Indicator 6.2.1: Proportion of population using safely managed sanitation services, including a handwashing facility with soap and water.
	Target 6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.	Indicator 6.2.1: Proportion of population using safely managed sanitation services, including a handwashing facility with soap and water.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.	Indicator 3.3.1: Number of new HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected population, by sex, age, and key populations.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.	Indicator 3.3.2: Tuberculosis incidence per 100,000 population.
	Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.	Indicator 3.3.5: Number of people requiring interventions against neglected tropical diseases.

The article discusses issues related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation, which are directly connected to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Specifically, the article highlights the quality and safety of rural community drinking water sources and the limited access to improved drinking water and toilet facilities in Ethiopia.

Based on the content of the article, the following targets can be identified:

1. Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

2. Target 6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.

The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards these targets:

1. Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.

2. Indicator 6.2.1: Proportion of population using safely managed sanitation services, including a handwashing facility with soap and water.

These indicators reflect the need to ensure access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, which are crucial for promoting health and well-being, as highlighted in SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

In summary, the article addresses SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, specifically targeting access to safe drinking water and sanitation. The identified targets are Target 6.1 and Target 6.2, with corresponding indicators being Indicator 6.1.1 and Indicator 6.2.1.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com

 

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