© action medeor/ECCA Info © action medeor/ECCA Making water and hygiene accessible Prevent diseases Essential for a healthy life: access to clean drinking water and sanitary facilities. Hygiene prevents diseases Many diseases are caused by inadequate hygiene. These include cholera, worm infestations, influenza and pneumonia. Skin diseases such as abscesses and fungal infections can also be caused by inadequate hygiene. Many diseases can be prevented by simple measures such as regular hand washing with clean water. Water and hygiene: unevenly distributed But people do not have access to clean water everywhere. Although more than two thirds of the earth is covered with water, there are serious water shortages, especially in African, Latin American and Asian countries. Access to clean and safe water is made even more difficult by the consequences of climate change. Sanitary facilities are also scarce in many places. This is often particularly the case in rural regions or in makeshift accommodation for refugees. This is where diseases spread particularly quickly. In numbers: Water and hygiene worldwide Every third child worldwide lives in regions that suffer from high or very high water scarcity In the last two decades, more than two billion people have gained access to safe drinking water. However, more than two billion people worldwide still do not have regular access to clean water. Two billion people worldwide are unable to wash their hands with soap and water. Some of them have no way of washing their hands at all. 3.5 billion people worldwide have no safe sanitation facilities at home, such as a toilet. Nepal: Water and hygiene for a healthy life Improving access to water, hygiene and sanitation is part of many action medeor projects. One example of this is the rural mountain region of Nepal, where many schools have no sanitary facilities. The lack of water and toilets is particularly difficult for girls. Because they do not have sanitary towels and there is no way to wash themselves, many girls do not go to school during their menstruation. Together with a local partner organization, action medeor is working to improve access to water, hygiene and sanitary facilities at schools and in the villages. For example, water ditches are dug and latrines built together with the villagers. Women, girls, families and teachers are also educated on topics such as hygiene and menstruation. Donate health Your donation enables us to provide medical care to people in crisis and disaster regions. Donate now