In Southern Africa, an increasing number of children are facing the devastating consequences of a lack of clean water, a problem exacerbated by climate change. According to a report by UNICEF, up to 347 million children under the age of 18 in Southern Africa are experiencing a shortage of clean or high-quality water, the highest figure compared to any other region in the world.

The region, which includes countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, is home to over a quarter of the world’s children. The report emphasizes that climate change disrupts natural patterns and seasons, leading to a decline in water availability. It highlights factors such as poor water quality, scarcity, and inadequate management, all of which are aggravated by the impact of climate change.

“When village water sources dry up, it affects homes, health centers, and schools. The impact of limited water availability is felt the most by children in Southern Africa due to the region’s challenging climate conditions,” stated Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF’s Director of Programs in Southern Africa. He further highlighted that millions of children in the region lack access to safe water, compounding the challenges posed by polluted rivers, desertification, and climate change.

Southern Africa is closely followed by Eastern and Central Africa, where the report estimates that 130 million children are also at risk due to a lack of clean water.

Source: News from Armenia – NEWS.am