Global water and sanitation crises impact Africa and Brazil

Global water and sanitation challenges are impacting vulnerable populations in Africa and Brazil. In the Brazilian state of Acre, an Instituto Trata Brasil study reveals that 55.7% of residents lack access to potable water, while 89% live without sewage collection. To universalize these services over the next 13 years, the state requires an investment of R$ 3.738 billion. Currently, approximately 57.1 million liters of raw sewage are discharged daily into local rivers and streams.

In Africa, UNICEF and WHO data indicate a severe crisis where approximately 28% of children lack access to safe drinking water, and nearly 200 million children lack running water. The situation is particularly acute in the Sahel region, where inadequate sanitation contributes to high mortality rates from diseases like diarrhea, respiratory infections, and malnutrition. The scarcity of water also disproportionately affects girls, who often spend hours fetching water, frequently leading to school abandonment. Experts warn that these water shortages can trigger community conflicts and long-term socio-economic instability.