WHO–UNICEF Report on Drinking Water and Sanitation (2000–2024)

Current Context : The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) released a joint report assessing global and national progress on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) between 2000–2024, highlighting persistent inequalities that threaten the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6).

Key Findings

Global Findings

• Open Defecation: In low-income countries, rates remain 4 times higher than the global average.
• Safe Sanitation Access: Improved to 58% worldwide.
• Drinking Water: Safely managed drinking water coverage rose from 68% (2015) to 74% (2024).
• Gendered Burden: Women spend disproportionate time fetching water.
• Menstrual Health: Data from 70 countries reveal widespread access gaps across all income groups.

India-Specific Findings

• Open Defecation: Drastic decline, but challenges persist in rural and marginalised groups.
• Sanitation Coverage: Near universal access; however, slippage in usage and waste management quality remains a concern.
• Drinking Water: Expanded household tap water connections, yet safely managed drinking water coverage is still below universal levels.
• Equity Issues: Tribal and poorest communities lag in access.

WASH Initiatives in India

• Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)
  • Objective: Elimination of open defecation.
  • Impact: Empowered women, reduced child mortality, improved public health and safety.
• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
  • Objective: Provide safe and adequate tap water connections to every rural household.
  • Focus: Universal coverage, with special attention to vulnerable groups.