10 Facts You Need to Know About WASH in Cambodia

Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are essential for human health and well-being. In Cambodia, however, many people do not have access to safe water, sanitation, or hygiene facilities. This puts them at risk of preventable diseases, such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid.

Here are 10 facts you need to know about WASH in Cambodia:

Fact 1: One in five Cambodians still do not have access to safe drinking water. This means that about 2 million people in Cambodia are at risk of contracting waterborne diseases. Waterborne diseases are caused by drinking water that is contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. These diseases can cause a variety of symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and even death.

Fact 2: Two in five Cambodians do not have access to improved sanitation. This means that about 4 million people in Cambodia still defecate in open areas, which can contaminate water sources and spread disease. Improved sanitation refers to using a toilet that hygienically separates human waste from human contact. This can be a flush toilet, a pour-flush toilet, or a simple pit latrine.

Fact 3: Poor WASH can lead to diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, and other waterborne diseases. These diseases are a leading cause of death among children in Cambodia, and they can also cause stunting and wasting. Diarrhea is a common symptom of waterborne diseases. It can cause dehydration, which can be fatal in young children. Cholera is a bacterial infection that can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting. If left untreated, cholera can be fatal. Typhoid is a bacterial infection that can cause fever, headache, and diarrhea. If left untreated, typhoid can be fatal.

Fact 4: Cambodia has the highest rate of open defecation in the region, with eight in ten of the poorest rural Cambodians defecating out in fields, in open bodies of water, or in other open spaces. This unsafe practice contaminates the land and water sources, exposing the population to dangerous waterborne infectious diseases and causing preventable deaths. Open defecation is the practice of defecating in the open, without using a toilet. It is a major risk factor for diarrheal diseases, which are a leading cause of death among children under five years old.

Fact 5: One in two rural healthcare facilities does not have sufficient water all year around. This lack of water can make it difficult to provide basic healthcare services, such as handwashing and wound care. Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of disease. It is especially important in healthcare settings, where people are more likely to be exposed to germs. Wound care is the process of cleaning and dressing a wound. It is important to have access to clean water for wound care, as dirty water can introduce infection.

Fact 6: Despite improvements in WASH systems and practices, Cambodia is still far from achieving universal WASH. The government of Cambodia has set a goal of achieving universal WASH by 2030, but it will need to invest heavily in WASH programs to reach this goal. Universal WASH refers to the provision of safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene for everyone. It is a critical goal for public health, as it can help to reduce the burden of disease and improve quality of life.

Fact 7: Every dollar invested in WASH can save up to $4 in health costs. This means that investing in WASH is a cost-effective way to improve health and well-being. WASH interventions can help to reduce the incidence of diarrheal diseases, which are a leading cause of death among children under five years old. They can also help to prevent the spread of other diseases, such as cholera and typhoid.

Fact 8: Cambodia is committed to achieving universal WASH by 2030. The government has developed a national WASH strategy and is working with partners to implement it. The national WASH strategy outlines the government's plan to improve WASH in Cambodia. It includes a number of targets, such as increasing the proportion of people with access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation.

Fact 9: You can help to achieve this goal by supporting WASH programs in Cambodia. There are many ways to get involved, such as donating to organizations that are working to improve WASH, volunteering your time, or raising awareness about the importance of WASH. By working together, we can help to ensure that everyone in Cambodia has access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Fact 10: Together, we can make a difference! By working together, we can help to ensure that everyone in Cambodia has access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. This is a critical goal for public health, as it can help to reduce the burden of disease and improve quality of life. There are many ways to get involved, so please find a way that works for you and help us make a difference!

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References:

• UNICEF Cambodia: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene: https://www.unicef.org/cambodia/water-sanitation-and-hygiene

• ReliefWeb Response: Cambodia: WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene): https://response.reliefweb.int/cambodia/water-sanitation-and-hygiene

• Resilience Library: Accessible WASH in Cambodia: https://www.rcrc-resilience-southeastasia.org/document/accessible-wash-in-cambodia/

• WaterAid: Accessible WASH in Cambodia: https://washmatters.wateraid.org/publications/accessible-wash-in-cambodia

• World Vision International: WASH Project Factsheet: https://www.wvi.org/publications/brochure/cambodia/wash-project-factsheet

• The Borgen Project: Sanitation in Cambodia: https://borgenproject.org/sanitation-in-cambodia/