Good Evidences,Bad Linkages: A Review of Water and Health in South Asia

Abstract

This review paper investigates the status of water and health in South Asia. Millions of people in South Asia lack access to safe water and sanitation. Increasing population, rapid urbanization, unsustainable agricultural and industrial developments have degraded freshwater resources. Although countries seem to have worked on the Millennium Development Goals to create infrastructure concerning water supply and sanitation, it is still questionable whether these measures have led to increased access to adequate safe water and proper sanitation at all. The preventable water-associated diseases contribute to the top ten causes of death in the region. Mortality due to these diseases has decreased in the past 10 years, but morbidity is on rise. Diarrhoea remains a primary cause for majority of deaths. Besides infectious diseases, chemical contamination of surface and ground water also create a great threat. The arsenic and fluoride contamination are emerging public health challenges. Although, countries have progressed in controlling water-associated diseases but achievements have been limited. The relationship between water and health is not linear, and is governed by various interlinked socioeconomic, political and cultural factors. This paper also discusses major complexities and challenges faced in the sector. The literature provides 'good' enough 'evidences' of lack of safe water leading to heavy burden of water associated diseases in South Asia. The existing governance system aims to provide good health, but fails to appreciate and address its link with safe water and sanitation. The paper recommends a more integrated and demand driven approach to conquer water-related health hazards.