The UK is shirking its responsibility to ensure one of the most basic rights

"The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it."

"WASH services—Water, Sanitation and Hygiene—are incredibly important if we are to reduce the almost 400,000 deaths of young children every year from diseases including cholera and diarrhoea. One in four people globally still lack safe drinking water."

"The United Nations has drawn a direct line between a lack of safe water and sanitation and much wider problems including food and supply chain shortages that can spark conflicts."

The Independent maintains independent journalism across major issues including reproductive rights, climate change, and technology without paywalls, relying on donor support. Simultaneously, the UK government's commitment to prioritizing women and girls in international development faces budget constraints. WASH services—water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure—represent a critical but vulnerable component of this agenda. Approximately 400,000 children die annually from water-related diseases, and one in four people globally lack safe drinking water. Beyond immediate health impacts, inadequate WASH infrastructure contributes to food shortages and supply chain disruptions that can trigger conflicts, making these services foundational to broader development and empowerment goals.

Read at www.independent.co.uk