Final answer:
Improving water and sanitation systems is essential due to its significant impact on health, economic returns, and environmental sustainability. Better management of these resources can lead to a decrease in disease and death, particularly in children, and help in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Importance of Water, Sanitation, and Healthcare
Improving water quality, sanitation, and healthcare is crucial for social, economic, and environmental development. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that every US dollar invested in water and sanitation yields a global economic return of 5.5 dollars. Inadequate access to clean water and basic sanitation is a significant contributor to health issues, particularly in low-income countries. For example, diarrheal diseases, often linked to poor sanitation and unsafe water, account for nearly 300,000 child deaths annually.
Access to safe water and proper sanitation is also integral to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 6 which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Furthermore, proper sanitation and clean water access are fundamental human rights, with the UN recommending 50-100 liters of water per person per day. However, over 2.2 billion people still lack safe drinking water, and 2.5 billion do not have adequate sanitation.
The environmental impact of poor water and sanitation management is also significant. Unsustainable agricultural practices account for 70% of global water usage, and pollution from various industries threatens water quality. Addressing these issues could drastically reduce global disease and mortality rates and promote social justice by ensuring equitable access to vital resources.