Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, yet it remains tragically out of reach for millions residing in urban slums within Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Consequently, these densely populated areas face unique challenges that exacerbate water scarcity and contamination, leading to severe health and socio-economic consequences.
Current Water Challenges in Urban Areas of LDCs
Cities in developing countries are experiencing unprecedented growth, often outpacing the development of essential infrastructure. This rapid urbanization leads to the expansion of informal settlements or slums, where access to basic services like clean water is severely limited. Many urban slums lack proper water supply and sanitation systems. The absence of piped water forces residents to rely on unsafe sources, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. Additionally, poor sanitation facilities contribute to environmental contamination, further degrading water quality.
The combination of increased demand due to population growth and limited water resources leads to significant water stress in urban areas. Climate change exacerbates this issue by altering precipitation patterns, resulting in droughts or floods that disrupt water availability. Residents of urban slums often face economic hardships that limit their ability to afford safe drinking water. In some cases, they may resort to purchasing water from private vendors at inflated prices, further straining their limited resources.
Health Implications
The lack of access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities in urban slums has devastating health consequences, particularly for the most vulnerable – children. Contaminated water is a primary vehicle for the spread of waterborne diseases, including cholera, diarrhoea, typhoid, and dysentery. Each year, these illnesses claim the lives of thousands, with children under the age of five being the most at risk.
Cholera and diarrhoea, the silent killers
Cholera a severe bacterial infection, thrives in environments with poor sanitation and unsafe water supplies. It causes acute watery diarrhoea, leading to rapid dehydration and, if untreated, death. Diarrhoea, often seen as a symptom rather than a disease, remains one of the leading causes of child mortality worldwide. According to UNICEF, diarrhoea claims the lives of approximately 1,300 children daily, mostly in low-income urban areas where clean water and sanitation are scarce.
Persistent Threatsy
Typhoid fever, often spread through contaminated food and water, is a major health concern in overcrowded urban slums. Symptoms such as high fever, weakness, and abdominal pain often go untreated due to limited healthcare access. Similarly, dysentery, caused by parasites or bacteria like Shigella, spreads quickly in these densely populated areas, further straining already overstretched healthcare systems.
The health burden of unsafe water does not exist in isolation, and the lack of access to clean water exacerbates existing vulnerabilities. Malnourished children, common in urban slums due to poverty and food insecurity, are more susceptible to waterborne diseases. Without access to clean water for drinking and hygiene, their weakened immune systems struggle to fight off these illnesses, leading to higher mortality rates and long-term developmental setbacks.
When children fall ill, parents lose workdays to care for them. This strains household finances due to medical expenses. Children also miss out on education, further perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. The cumulative effect of widespread illness limits economic productivity and community development. Women and girls bear a disproportionate burden from inadequate water access and sanitation. Fetching water from distant or unsafe sources exposes them to physical danger and limits opportunities for education and employment. Furthermore, poor menstrual hygiene management, exacerbated by the lack of clean water, has significant health and dignity implications for adolescent girls.
The Role of Aquatabs in Mitigating Water Challenges
Aquatabs, water purification tablets and systems offer a practical solution to the water challenges faced in urban environs. Designed to disinfect contaminated water, making it safe for drinking and reducing incidences of waterborne diseases. A study conducted in urban Bangladesh evaluated the effectiveness of in-line chlorination at the point of water collection using Aquatabs. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in child diarrhoea cases, highlighting the potential of Aquatabs to improve public health in low-income urban settings. If you would like to read the full article on EFFECT OF IN-LINE DRINKING WATER CHLORINATION AT THE POINT OF COLLECTION ON CHILD DIARRHOEA IN URBAN BANGLADESH: A DOUBLE-BLIND, CLUSTER-RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL click here.
Benefits of Aquatabs tablets & Systems:
Aquatabs Tablets:
- Affordability: Aquatabs are cost-effective, making them accessible to low-income households.
- Ease of Use: They are simple to use, requiring no complex equipment or extensive training.
- Portability: Compact size allows for easy distribution.
- Effectiveness: Aquatabs have been proven to effectively eliminate harmful microorganisms, ensuring safe drinking water.
Aquatabs Systems:
- Streamlined – Operate on water flow – no electricity required.
- Maintenance-Free -Simply replace the unit / cartridge for continuous use.
- Quick Setup – Installation completed quickly.
- Dedicated Support – We partner with you and train your teams.
Breaking the cycle requires addressing health challenges with a multifaceted approach. This includes developing sustainable infrastructure and effective urban planning. Policies must also ensure equitable access to clean water for all urban residents. By ensuring access to clean water, governments can improve health outcomes, enhance economic productivity, and break the cycle of poverty in these vulnerable communities.
Ref:
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/water/articles/10.3389/frwa.2022.950887
