Seven common waterborne diseases (and how to prevent them)
Back to Topic
Click to Print
Useful Websites
Glossary Term Selection
Each year, waterborne diseases afflict hundreds of millions of people, primarily those living without safe, accessible water in developing countries.
Of the seven most common waterborne diseases in the world, diarrhoea is the central symptom. The latest research shows that diarrhoea is the second leading cause of death for children under the age of five, causing more childhood deaths than malaria, AIDS, and measles combined.
That’s hundreds of thousands of deaths, but there is hope for the future. Experts believe we can end the global water and sanitation crisis in our lifetime.
What are waterborne diseases?
Waterborne diseases are illnesses caused by microscopic organisms, like viruses and bacteria, that are ingested through contaminated water or by coming in contact with faeces.
If every person on the planet was able to practice safe sanitation and hygiene and have access to clean water, these diseases would not exist. Governments, NGOs, and communities themselves have made great...
Want to see the rest of this article?
Would you like to see the rest of this article and all the other benefits that Issues Online can provide with?
- Useful related articles
- Video and multimedia references
- Statistical information and reference material
- Glossary of terms
- Key Facts and figures
- Related assignments
- Resource material and websites
