In 2015, all countries pledged to work towards universal access to safe drinking water, sanitation and basic handwashing facilities by 2030. We’re now one-third of the way into this 15-year period. We are still far from achieving universal access: 26% of people do not have access to safe drinking water; nearly half are without safe sanitation; and nearly one-third without basic soap and water.
The world is making progress but it’s far too slow. Progress will have to be more than three times faster over the coming decade if we’re to ensure everyone has access to these very basic resources by 2030.