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In a stark reminder of the UK’s commitment to global development, Rupa Huq, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), has voiced serious concerns regarding the government’s recent cuts to international aid. With a focus on ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, Huq argues that these resources are vital for empowering women and girls worldwide, especially as the nation faces a significant reduction in its aid budget.
The Consequences of Budget Cuts
The UK government has already begun implementing substantial cuts to its international development budget, with an alarming £6.5 billion reduction expected by 2028. This represents a staggering 40% of the funding previously allocated for vital programmes. As a result, competition for the limited resources that remain threatens to undermine essential services like WASH, which are crucial for public health and gender equality.
Huq underscores the critical role of WASH services in reducing preventable deaths, particularly among young children. Each year, nearly 400,000 children lose their lives to diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea—ailments that can be mitigated through proper access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities. Shockingly, one in four people globally still lacks safe drinking water, which has far-reaching implications not just for health, but also for economic stability and social peace.
A Direct Threat to Women’s Rights
The adverse effects of inadequate water and sanitation services are disproportionately experienced by women and girls. Huq points out that women often bear the responsibility of fetching water, which detracts from their ability to pursue education and employment. This burden can also expose them to heightened risks of gender-based violence.
Evelyn Mere, the country director for WaterAid in Nigeria, highlighted the critical link between sanitation access and girls’ educational outcomes. “The number one thing is that girls are unable to stay in school because they have no decent toilets and no place to manage their menstruation in dignity and privacy,” she explained. The lack of suitable facilities leads to increased absenteeism, ultimately disadvantaging these girls in the long run.
The Economic Case for WASH Investment
The potential economic benefits of investing in WASH services are significant. Research indicates that Nigeria could see a $26 billion (£19 billion) “sanitation economy” emerge by 2030, should the UK choose to increase its investment in these essential services. Just as India successfully constructed 100 million toilets in less than a decade, Nigeria could create jobs and stimulate local economies by developing sanitation infrastructure.
Moreover, failing to fund WASH services could undermine the UK-Nigeria strategic partnership, which aims to foster economic growth and job creation. Without reliable access to water and sanitation, individuals are compelled to take sick days and incur medical expenses related to waterborne illnesses, thereby stalling economic advancement.
A Call to Action
Huq’s concerns reflect a broader sentiment among the British public, with a notable 54% prioritising clean water and sanitation in terms of international aid spending. With the Labour Party’s recent commitment to placing women and girls at the forefront of international efforts, it is imperative that the UK government aligns its actions with its promises.
The historical context is important; the previous Conservative administration’s austerity measures resulted in a staggering 78% cut to WASH funding earlier this decade, jeopardising the UK’s pledge to achieve universal access to WASH facilities by 2030. It is vital that lessons are learned from these past errors.
Why it Matters
The ongoing cuts to the aid budget threaten the fundamental rights of millions, particularly women and girls, who rely on access to clean water and sanitation for their health, safety, and dignity. The implications reach far beyond individual lives; they affect entire communities and nations, stifling potential economic growth and perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. The UK must not retreat from its global responsibilities; instead, it should reaffirm its commitment to ensuring that every human being has access to the most basic of needs—water, sanitation, and hygiene. Such a commitment is not merely an act of charity; it is a moral obligation that holds the key to a healthier, more equitable world.
