Preliminary Assessment of COVID-19 Implications for the Water and Sanitation Sector in Latin America and the Caribbean

Miguel de França Doria, Patricia Segurado, Marcelo Korc, Leo Heller, Blanca Jimenez Cisneros, Paul R. Hunter and Martin Forde
Additional contact information
Miguel de França Doria: Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), UNESCO Regional Office, Montevideo 11200, Uruguay
Patricia Segurado: Regional Water and Sanitation Technical Team (ETRAS), Pan American Health Organization, PAHO, Lima 15038, Peru
Marcelo Korc: Climate Change and Environmental Determinants of Health Unit, Pan American Health Organization, PAHO/WHO, Washington, DC 20037, USA
Leo Heller: René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte 30190-009, MG, Brazil
Blanca Jimenez Cisneros: National Water Commission (CONAGUA), Mexico City 04340, Mexico
Paul R. Hunter: Health Protection Department, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
Martin Forde: Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, St. George’s University, St. George’s P.O. Box 7, West Indies, Grenada

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 21, 1-8

Abstract: COVID-19 has had a severe impact on human health, as well as in social and economic terms, with implications for the management and governance of the water and sanitation sector. These implications are evident in Latin America and the Caribbean due to existing challenges the region faces in accessing water and sanitation services. In spite of significant advances, around 65 million people in the LAC region currently lack appropriate access to water and soap to wash their hands—one of the most basic measures to prevent the spread of disease. Furthermore, social and economic vulnerabilities have exacerbated the effects of the pandemic in the region, particularly among those living in poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic thus requires the mobilization of frameworks such as the human rights to water and sanitation, specifically considering the region’s realities. This paper provides a review of some of the challenges currently faced in the region and advances a series of recommendations for enhancing access to water, sanitation and hygiene. The importance of effective governance, management and communication strategies in the water provisioning sector is highlighted in the context of the pandemic, and the role of science and research for adequate decision making is emphasized.

Keywords: water and sanitation; COVID-19 pandemic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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