Water, water everywhere...but not always safe to drink

'Cook it, peel it, boil it, or forget it.' For Australians travelling overseas, the golden rule of safe food and water has never been more important.

 
 
A report released last week by the United Nations reveals the crisis facing many developing countries in Asia and Africa, who are struggling to maintain basic drinking water and sanitation systems.

The 2012 UN Water Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking Water presents data from 74 developing countries and 24 agencies that deliver 90% of the development assistance funds these countries receive. The report says:

- There is a 'chronic shortage' of technicians and skilled labour to operate and maintain drinking water and sewerage infrastructure.

- Only 1-in-3 of the 74 countries can afford to operate their water and sewage systems.

- Only 7% of outside financial aid is being spent on maintaining these facilities

The UN says aid needs to be better targeted - only 50% of the money is being directed to countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and South and Southeast Asia where 70% of those in most need live.

As a result, many countries can't meet their own national targets for sanitation and drinking water.

Read complete article...

BOLIVIA
Dengue epidemic 'under control'... Read more
BRAZIL
Dengue risk highest in Rio, Matto Grosso... Read more
ECUADOR
New dengue fatality...Read more

HAITI
Cholera vaccination underway... Read more

INDIA
Heatwaves bring on raft diseases...Read more

PAKISTAN
Dengue resurfaces in Karachi...Read more
PARAGUAY
Dengue toll mounts... Read more
PERU
Dengue hits Chimbote...Read more