Developing country economies would be boosted by trillions of dollars over the next two decades if clean water, toilets and hygiene were brought to everyone, reveals a new report from international aid agency, WaterAid.
The report comes after the UK Government faced wide criticism for revealing plans to slash aid spending on life-saving clean water, hygiene and sanitation programmes in developing countries by 80% earlier this year, even facing a rebellion from their own MPs.
According to Vivid Economics, who conducted the research and analysis that feeds into the report, ensuring everyone, everywhere has access to even basic water, hygiene and toilets – which could mean a well within a 15-minute walk, a household toilet and soap and water to wash hands with – would bring returns of up to 21 times their cost.
Article by Oluseyi Abdulmalik Abuja, Nigeria. July 14, 2021