Global water crisis: Millions lack access to clean drinking water

Access to clean water remains a pressing challenge in many parts of the world, with millions of people facing daily struggles to secure safe drinking water. In Papua New Guinea, 60% of the population lacks access to safe water sources. Rural communities depend heavily on surface water from ponds, lakes, and rivers, which poses health risks and exacerbates sanitation challenges. Natural disasters, including cyclones and floods, frequently damage vital infrastructure and crops, deepening the water crisis.

WorldMeters reveals that, In Chad, clean water remains out of reach for nearly half the country’s children. Decades of instability, violence, and sluggish recovery following dictatorship have severely hampered progress in developing sustainable water systems. The lack of access to safe water contributes to widespread health and economic challenges, particularly in rural areas.

Due to rapid urbanisation and a growing population, Mozambique faces mounting pressure on its water systems. These challenges are felt most acutely in rural regions, where infrastructure struggles to meet increasing demand. Efforts to expand access have been overshadowed by the country’s fast-paced development and limited resources.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is among the poorest countries in the world, with vast disparities between wealthy and impoverished populations. Among the poorest, only 15% have access to basic water services, highlighting the deep inequities within the nation. The lack of access to clean water perpetuates cycles of poverty, with profound impacts on health and education.

In Tanzania, over 8 million people rely on surface water daily. While there have been notable improvements in sanitation in recent years, the reliance on unsafe water sources continues to pose significant health risks, particularly in underserved rural communities.

These global water crises underscore the urgent need for coordinated efforts to improve infrastructure, support development, and address inequalities in access to clean water. Without immediate action, millions will remain trapped in cycles of poverty and vulnerability driven by a basic human need that remains unmet.