WASH services and human development: a tangible nexus for achieving water-related SDGs

ABSTRACT

This paper examines global statistics on water availability, water demands, access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, and human development in 2015, a milestone year for the transition from United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The results of nonparametric statistical tests point out that, in most countries, water endowment – or potential water availability – has not been a determining factor for economic prosperity and human development. However, it is possible to delineate a strong nexus between water and human development from the perspective of water demands, particularly when considering primary water uses for drinking and sanitation.

KEYWORDS:

• WASH services
• human development
• nexus
• water resources
• Millennium Development Goals
• Sustainable Development Goals

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.