Access to safe water a necessity for COVID-19 survival
COVID 19 originated in China late last year and has spread to different countries of the world. This made WHO declare the virus a pandemic. CoronaVirus is an infectious disease that affects the respiratory system. It can be transmitted when there’s close contact with an infected patient
The effect of COVID-19 in the world
There has been an increase in the number of cases, there are about 1,631,310 corona cases worldwide. The spread and increase of coronavirus in different countries of the world have resulted in global lockdown. This not only affects productivity but also the global economy.
- Death: The spread of Coronavirus has led to the death of many people in a different part of the world with so many numbers of cases recorded. In Nigeria, about 5 people have died from the virus while some countries have high recorded deaths. As of now, there are about 114,215 recorded deaths from coronavirus.
- Economic crises: Since the commencement of coronavirus, the stock market has been affected which has lessened economic growth. Many investors are scared to invest because of uncertainty and fear of a global recession. Most organisations and parastatals worldwide are on lockdown making the economy on standstill and difficult to pay government workers.
- Financial crises in the travelling industry: Travelling restrictions have affected the Aviation authorities in most countries of the world. Most countries have banned entrance into their country to curtail the spread of coronavirus. Business trips are cancelled, the airlines are on hold. This to a great extent has put many airlines in financial troubles.
- Increase in the product cost: Some days before Nigeria official COVID lockdown was announced, people tend to visit the market to stock up their homes with food. The vendors doubled the cost making it difficult for some to buy more. While in Europe, supermarkets and online delivery recorded an increase in demand when the virus escalated.
- Growth in online business: Many online businesses are trending now especially businesses that don’t require personal delivery. Also, the number of social media users increased tremendously since everyone is complaining of boredom.
- Reduction in Pollution: Since the COVID lockdown started in Nigeria many factories are on hold and movement restrictions have made many car owners stay at home. This to a greater extent has a reduction in emissions. The stoppage in industrial production has led to a reduction in pollution across European skies.
How to protect yourself
To stay safe and reduce the spread of Coronavirus which has no treatment yet, social distancing is encouraged. To protect yourself from this virus, thorough hand washing from time to time is encouraged. You can read more about handwashing here
Challenges of communities in Nigeria with no access to water
Access to a safe water supply is a great challenge for many people in Nigeria, especially in Nigeria rural communities. It is estimated that more than 70% of rural households lack access to an improved water supply. They rely on self water provision from rivers, wells e.t.c which made them liable to water-borne diseases.
Although regular hand washing is recommended to prevent the spread of coronavirus and protect oneself from getting infected. However, many communities in Nigeria have no access to safe water which is a major challenge to hand washing.
Many Nigerian communities experience water poverty, which makes getting water for their daily needs a great challenge. Women and children walk miles to get water daily. which might be contaminated. Washing hands from time to time might not make sense to a woman who spent most of the day fetching. Water poverty is a great challenge that makes hand washing difficult in most Nigeria communities.
How this challenge can be solved
- Equitable distribution and access to water and sanitation facilities
- Improved public handwashing facilities
- Bringing water closer to rural communities
- More advocacy on the benefit of handwashing in rural communities
- Improved water and sanitation access in rural communities
