BEIRUT, Apr 16 (NNN-XINHUA) – Scarcity of water in the Arab region exposes 74 million people to the risk of COVID-19 infection, said the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) on Wednesday.
“It has been agreed worldwide that handwashing with soap and water is the best prevention against COVID-19 contagion, however, this simple act proves to be difficult in a region where 74 million people lack access to a basic handwashing facility,” it said in a policy brief.
The brief also noted that water demand for handwashing alone is set to increase by nine to 12 litres per person per day, not to mention laundry, cleaning and food washing demands. This amounts to an average daily increase of household water demand by four to five million cubic metres.
The study added that, about 87 million people in the region also lack access to an improved drinking water source in their homes. “This exposes them to a greater risk of contagion, as they are forced to collect water daily from a public source,” it said.
ESCWA Executive Secretary, Rola Dashti, emphasised the urgent need to ensure access to clean water and sanitation services, to everyone everywhere, at no cost for those who cannot afford it, in order to avoid further spread of the virus.
“Access to water should not be used as a weapon of war,” said Dashti, reiterating her call for an immediate humanitarian truce and a renewal of efforts to build lasting peace in the region.– NNN-XINHUA
