Final answer:
Lack of access to WASH is an environmental or social determinant of health, leading to severe illnesses and deaths, especially among vulnerable children. Improving WASH could prevent diseases and align with Sustainable Development Goals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lack of Access to WASH as a Determinant of Health
The lack of access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) would be considered an environmental or social determinant of health. These underlying determinants, such as inadequate sanitation measures, crowded living conditions, and a lack of a clean water supply, significantly contribute to the burden of disease in communities, particularly in low-income countries. The absence of these basic necessities leads to a wide array of health issues, including diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid, which can result in malnutrition, anemia, or even death, especially among children who are quite vulnerable to such conditions.
Access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation services is a fundamental aspect of public health, and failing to provide them can lead to increased child mortality, hindered growth and development, and impaired educational opportunities. The global water crisis not only has negative implications for individual health but also impedes socioeconomic development and contributes to inequality, as those affected are often the most marginalized within societies.
Efforts to improve water safety, sanitation, and hygiene could prevent a significant portion of diseases and deaths worldwide, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6, which is focused on ensuring water and sanitation for all. Recognizing the human right to water and sanitation is a critical step in addressing these challenges and ensuring a healthier future for affected populations.