Global Coverage
Despite the fact that access to an adequate water supply and sanitation is a fundamental need (and, indeed, arguably a right) for all people, a recent survey shows that almost two and a half billion people do not have access to improved sanitation (WHO 2000a).
As might be expected, sanitation coverage varies dramatically around the world, as illustrated in the Figure below. While the Figure shows the differences between regions, it does not show the fact that the percentage coverage is barely increasing over time.
It can be seen from the Figure that the situation is particularly severe in rural areas, where coverage lags behind that reported from urban areas. However, increasing urbanization and concentrations of poor in urban slums is likely to be associated (in many cases) with higher risks of transmission, thus posing much greater sanitation challenges.
Figure: Global coverage of sanitation by world region in 2000 (WHO 2000a)
While these figures are disturbing in their own right they do not tell the whole story, as sanitation is not just the presence of available facilities (although that is a start), but, for it to be effective it is also the proper use and maintenance of the facilities.