Millions of children return to schools that still can’t provide clean water or a working toilet

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-22T16:15:42.765Z • Permanent link

Millions of children worldwide are starting a new academic year in schools that still lack basic infrastructure, including clean water and functioning toilets. According to a recent report by WaterAid, a leading global charity working to ensure universal access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), nearly 400 million children worldwide live in schools that do not have access to basic WASH facilities. This is a staggering figure that highlights the scale of the problem.

The situation is particularly dire in sub-Saharan Africa, where the lack of basic infrastructure is a major barrier to education. In countries such as South Sudan, Somalia, and Democratic Republic of Congo, schools often lack basic amenities, including clean water, sanitation facilities, and functioning toilets. This can have serious consequences for children's health, well-being, and ability to learn. For example, a study by the World Bank found that in some African countries, schools with poor sanitation facilities are more likely to experience outbreaks of diarrhea and other water-borne diseases.

According to UNICEF, the lack of access to clean water and sanitation in schools can also have long-term consequences for children's education and future prospects. For example, a study by the non-profit organization, Save the Children, found that in some countries, girls who attend schools with poor sanitation facilities are more likely to drop out of school due to lack of access to clean water and proper hygiene facilities. These findings highlight the need for urgent action to address the lack of basic infrastructure in schools worldwide.

The lack of access to clean water and sanitation in schools is a major concern for companies, research communities, and policymakers in the global infrastructure sector. Companies such as Veolia, Siemens, and Bechtel are working to provide clean water and sanitation services to schools in developing countries, but these efforts are often hampered by lack of funding and infrastructure. Research communities are also working to develop new technologies and solutions to address the lack of basic infrastructure in schools, but these efforts must be matched by policy support and investment.

The lack of access to clean water and sanitation in schools also has significant implications for global markets and economies. For example, the World Bank estimates that every dollar invested in sanitation can generate up to $4 in economic returns. Additionally, the lack of access to clean water and sanitation can have serious consequences for public health, which can lead to significant economic costs and lost productivity. Policymakers must take action to address this issue and ensure that schools have access to basic infrastructure.

The lack of access to clean water and sanitation in schools is part of a larger pattern of neglect and underinvestment in global infrastructure. According to the World Economic Forum, the global infrastructure gap is estimated to be around $2 trillion, with many countries struggling to meet basic infrastructure needs. This is particularly true for sub-Saharan Africa, where the lack of investment in infrastructure has led to significant challenges for economic development and poverty reduction.