Water scarcity is a significant and widespread global threat to human health and well-being, as climate change and degraded watersheds put decades of progress towards universal access to clean water in jeopardy. The Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas by the World Resources Institute (WRI) (depicted below) serves as a powerful tool to visualise the magnitude of this hazardous threat. WRI's analysis reveals that 44 countries, comprising one-third of the world's population, have "high" levels of water stress. Additionally, 17 countries, representing one-quarter of the population, have "extremely high" levels of water stress. Consequently, addressing water security is a crucial component of many Organisations roadmaps.
Within the sector, there are various types of jobs related to water, sanitation, and hygiene, including refuse workers who facilitate proper waste disposal, particularly in refugee camp settings. Additionally, WASH Technicians or consultants support WASH Engineers by contributing specific technical skills necessary for developing water and sanitation systems required in humanitarian responses. These professionals are involved in designing and overseeing the implementation of infrastructure such as sewage systems to ensure that adequate water and sanitation systems are in place.
As the global population grows and climate change exacerbates the issue, water scarcity is increasingly becoming a challenge on all continents, with impoverished communities being the hardest hit. To address this challenge and build resilience, an integrated and inclusive approach is essential for managing this finite resource.
Despite being a fundamental human right, access to clean water and sanitation is severely limited for 1.42 billion individuals residing in areas of "high or extremely high water vulnerability," as per UNICEF's findings.
The following are some of the leading organisations committed to resolving WASH-related problems and achieving universal water access and sanitation:
- IFRC - International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
- NRC - Norwegian Refugee Council
- UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
- DRC - Danish Refugee Council
- UNICEF - United Nations Children’s Fund - UNICEF is the lead agency of the global WASH cluster based on its recognized role in the field of emergency water and sanitation interventions Learn more
- WaterAid
- SNV - Netherlands Development Organisation
- GWP - Global Water Partnership
- IMO - International Maritime Organization
- SIWI -The Stockholm International Water Institute
A day in the Life: The WASH specialist
Public information(data) about Water Sanitation and Health