Title: [The problems of supplying water to the rural population in developing countries]

POPLINE Document Number: 076249

Author(s):

al-Sabunchi AA

Source citation:

FELDSHER I AKUSHERKA, 1991 Dec;56(12):35-6.

Abstract:

Since 1981, one of WHO's areas of concentration has been the sanitary conditions of developing countries. In many regions of the world water supplies are polluted. In about 60% of developing countries the population does not have proper sanitation technology. In 75% of African countries the rural population is deprived of adequate safe water supplies. In Zambia, only 56% of the population has safe drinking water and in Kenya only 28%. In the countries of southeast Asia which represent 25% of the world's population, an average 20% of rural populations have clean drinking water. In developing countries due to the shortage of clean water, 1000-2500 children under 5 years of age perish every hour because of diarrheal diseases. With the help of UNICEF in some developing countries work has started to establish water supply systems for the rural population each serving up to 1000 people. In Malaysia, Guinea, and the Philippines courses were started to train national specialists to supervise the quality of drinking water followed by the training of experts to carry out water supply programs. In the first 7 years in the rural areas of some developing countries the proportion of safe drinking water increased from 46% to 56%. In order to help the rural population obtain clean drinking water, monetary contributions have to be raised for realistic development of water supplies. It is advisable to observe the drinking water standards laid down in WHO guidelines in smaller communities and rural regions to assure safe drinking water for the population and to establish national standards in countries where none exist. The frequency of water analysis depends on the size of the local system and on the population figure of the community. Usually one test is required for each 5000 people/month.

Keywords:

Developing Countries
Africa
WHO
UNICEF
Water Supply
Sanitation
Rural Population
UN
International Agencies
Organizations
Natural Resources
Environment
Public Health
Health
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population