The Imperative of Universal WASH Access for Sustainable Development
Access to clean water, adequate sanitation, and proper hygiene practices, collectively known as WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), is a fundamental human right and a critical component of sustainable development. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) emphasizes the need for universal access to WASH to ensure human well-being and promote sustainable progress.
In Zimbabwe, WASH reforms have been underway for over a century, from the pre-independence to the post-independence era. However, the country continues to face significant challenges in improving related health outcomes. This scoping review aims to explore the status of WASH and its influence on health outcomes in Zimbabwe, providing a comprehensive understanding of the progress made, the existing challenges, and the potential strategies to address them.
Assessing the WASH Landscape in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, has a diverse geographic landscape, with both rural and urban areas facing unique WASH-related issues. The country’s semi-arid climate and unpredictable rainfall patterns, particularly in the southern and western regions, often lead to water scarcity and socioeconomic challenges that impact WASH status and related health outcomes.
Rural-Urban Disparities in WASH Access
Despite the Zimbabwean government’s efforts to increase access to WASH, significant disparities remain between urban and rural areas. Rural areas account for over 30% of households accessing drinking water from unimproved sources, while urban households are 1.9 times more likely to have access to basic drinking water and 1.2 times more likely to have access to basic hygiene services compared to their rural counterparts.
Moreover, more than 60% of rural water supply infrastructure is in ruins, and 44% of people in remote areas practice open defecation. These challenges have contributed to the widespread contamination of readily accessible drinking water sources and the rapid transmission of waterborne diseases, such as cholera, in Zimbabwe.
Inadequate WASH Infrastructure and Hygiene Practices
The available data on WASH indicators in Zimbabwe paints a concerning picture. The country has made limited progress towards its national targets, with access to safe drinking water at 27% against the target of 83% and sanitation achievement at 32% against the target of 73%. The hygiene practices indicator shows 42% progress, falling short of the global performance of 75%.
These findings highlight the pressing need to address the underlying issues and invest in the development and maintenance of WASH infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Improving access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and promoting better hygiene practices are crucial steps towards enhancing health outcomes and achieving sustainable development in Zimbabwe.
The Health Burden of Inadequate WASH
Inadequate WASH has a significant impact on public health in Zimbabwe, contributing to a range of waterborne and water-related diseases. Persistent cholera epidemics are a testament to the lack of access to basic sanitation, clean water, and healthcare in the country. These outbreaks are fueled by the breakdown of potable water and sanitation infrastructure, leading to the widespread contamination of readily accessible drinking water sources.
Beyond cholera, poor WASH conditions also contribute to the prevalence of schistosomiasis, affecting up to 62.3% of the population in some areas. Other diseases, such as typhoid, dysentery, and various parasitic infections, are also prevalent due to the lack of access to safe water and proper sanitation.
The health burden of inadequate WASH disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children under the age of 5, who are at a higher risk of mortality and morbidity from WASH-related illnesses. Every day, approximately 1,000 children under the age of 5 die globally as a result of unsafe WASH, highlighting the urgent need to address this public health challenge.
Strategies and Interventions for Improving WASH
To mitigate the impact of WASH-related diseases and expand access to potable water and sanitation, a multi-faceted approach is required. This includes:
Policy and Governance Measures
- Strengthening legal and policy frameworks to prioritize WASH as a fundamental human right
- Improving coordination and collaboration among relevant government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community-based organizations
- Ensuring sustainable financing mechanisms for WASH infrastructure development and maintenance
Community-Driven Initiatives
- Empowering local communities to participate in the planning, management, and maintenance of WASH services
- Promoting behavioral change through targeted hygiene education and awareness campaigns
- Fostering community-based water and sanitation committees to ensure the long-term sustainability of WASH interventions
Technological Innovations
- Investing in the development and deployment of appropriate, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly WASH technologies
- Exploring water treatment and recycling solutions to address water scarcity and improve water quality
- Incorporating digital technologies, such as remote monitoring and IoT-enabled infrastructure, to enhance WASH system efficiency and responsiveness
Integrated Approach to WASH and Health
- Integrating WASH interventions with primary healthcare services to address the underlying determinants of health
- Strengthening disease surveillance and outbreak response mechanisms to quickly identify and contain WASH-related disease outbreaks
- Fostering cross-sectoral collaboration between the WASH and health sectors to ensure a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to improving public health outcomes
Moving Forward: Addressing Challenges and Seizing Opportunities
As Zimbabwe continues its pursuit of the transformative 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, addressing the pressing WASH challenges is crucial. The country faces a multitude of obstacles, including inadequate resources, frequent droughts, and rapid urbanization, all of which have exacerbated the WASH-related health burden.
However, the current landscape also presents opportunities for meaningful progress. By leveraging the existing evidence, implementing research-informed interventions, and maintaining consistent investment in WASH infrastructure, Zimbabwe can make significant strides towards universal access to clean water, adequate sanitation, and proper hygiene practices.
Consolidating the lessons learned from past events, such as the impact of cyclones, the COVID-19 pandemic, and prolonged droughts, can inform more resilient and adaptable WASH strategies. Prioritizing community engagement, fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, and promoting innovative technological solutions will be essential in this endeavor.
Through a comprehensive, evidence-based, and inclusive approach, Zimbabwe can transform its WASH landscape, ultimately improving public health outcomes and paving the way for sustainable and equitable development. The time to act is now, as the country strives to fulfill its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure the well-being of all its citizens.
Conclusion
Achieving universal access to clean water, adequate sanitation, and proper hygiene practices is a fundamental human right and a crucial step towards sustainable development. In Zimbabwe, WASH reforms have been underway for decades, yet the country continues to face significant challenges in improving related health outcomes.
This scoping review has explored the current status of WASH in Zimbabwe, highlighting the persistent disparities between urban and rural areas, the inadequacies in WASH infrastructure and hygiene practices, and the devastating health burden caused by these deficiencies. By understanding the existing challenges and the opportunities for progress, Zimbabwe can chart a path towards a future where clean water, safe sanitation, and good hygiene are accessible to all.
Through a multifaceted approach involving policy reforms, community-driven initiatives, technological innovations, and an integrated WASH-health strategy, Zimbabwe can make significant strides in addressing this critical issue. By capitalizing on the lessons learned and the growing momentum for sustainable development, the country can transform its WASH landscape, ultimately improving public health outcomes and paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future.
The time for action is now. By prioritizing WASH and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, Zimbabwe can fulfill its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure the well-being of all its citizens. The journey towards universal WASH access may be arduous, but with a steadfast commitment and a comprehensive, evidence-based approach, Zimbabwe can emerge as a leader in this crucial endeavor.
