Final answer:
It is true that a significant proportion of the world's population lacks access to improved sanitation facilities and that approximately 13% practices open defecation. Issues stemming from inadequate sanitation and unsafe drinking water contribute to serious health risks, particularly for children in developing regions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a significant proportion of the world's population does not have access to improved sanitation facilities and that approximately 13% practices open defecation is true. Worldwide, access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation remains a pressing issue. According to various sources, such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), billions of people are affected by the lack of access to these essential services.
Sanitation concerns are significant because poor conditions contribute to life-threatening diseases and health complications. An estimated 2.5 billion people do not have access to improved sanitation. In the context of open defecation, the UN called for action to eliminate this practice by 2025, and current projections aim to achieve this by 2030.
The health implications of insufficient water and sanitation services are severe. Diarrheal diseases from unsafe drinking water and inadequate sanitation lead to millions of deaths annually, mostly among children in developing countries. Addressing these issues is vital for reducing disease and death, particularly in low-income countries.