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Health News of Wednesday, 22 March 2017

Source: mynewsgh.com

1.8 billion persons drink contaminated water globally

Over 305 Ghanaians drink contaminated water with faeces Over 305 Ghanaians drink contaminated water with faeces

It is estimated about 1.8 Billion of the world’s population drink water from contaminated sources making them prone to filth-related diseases.

Aside the stated figure, more than 842,000 deaths recorded annually are as a result of water, poor sanitation and unhygienic conditions.

David Kwame Duncan who represented the UN Secretary General and also doubles as chief for Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) addressed at a gathering in Accra in commemoration of the World Water Day revealed that hundred and sixty – three (663) million people still lack improved drinking water sources.

By the year 2050, close to 70% of the world’s population will live in cities, compared to 50% today. Whiles globally over 80% of the wastewater generated by society flows back into the ecosystem without being treated or reused. It is also reported that most cities in developing countries do not have adequate infrastructure and resouces to address wastewater management in an efficient and sustainable way.

In Ghana over three- hundred and five (305) Ghanaians drink contaminated water with faeces, this is so because majority of Ghanaians discharge their waste water into river bodies and if care is not taken by year 2030 Ghana will import water for its domestic use.

The Minister of water and Sanitation Joseph Kofi Adda whose speech was read on his behalf by Mr. Bonald Tei indicated that his ministry will do its best to secure the Security of the consequences for efficient water use.