WASH Access Key to Ending Cholera, Study Shows
A new study highlights that access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is crucial in the fight against cholera. Researchers examined the impact of WASH on cholera burdens across low- and middle-income countries, identifying key areas for targeted interventions.
WASH Impact on Cholera
The research, published in Global Transitions, evaluated data from 2000 to 2017 across 89 low- and middle-income countries. The study explored the correlation between WASH access and cholera cases within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).
“Safe WASH are the only long-term and sustainable solutions to effective prevention and control of cholera. Evaluating the impact and attributable burden of WASH on cholera can help cholera-affected areas formulate targeted control strategies tailored to the specific conditions of each country, as outlined in the GTFCC’s Global Roadmap.”
—Wanqi Wen, First Author, Sun Yat-sen University
The study indicated that greater access to piped water and sanitation correlates with lower cholera rates. Conversely, a reliance on surface water and open defecation increases cholera risk. These findings offer crucial information for creating tailored control strategies, as the World Health Organization estimates that cholera still affects between 1.3 and 4 million people globally each year (WHO, 2024).
Regional Disparities and Solutions
Hualiang Lin, the corresponding author, emphasized the significance of maintaining and increasing access to safe WASH in nations where cholera is prevalent. Regional differences in WASH availability further contribute to uneven cholera burdens. The study’s findings provide important references for countries striving to achieve UN SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) and the GTFCC’s 2030 Roadmap.
The research also indicated that increased access to improved sanitation could considerably reduce cholera risks. For instance, universal access to improved sanitation could lower the risk of cholera by 32.98% in Sub-Saharan Africa, compared to 7.47% in Central and Southern Asia.
