Millions of children attend schools lacking clean water and functional toilets

The new academic year has begun for millions of students worldwide, yet a substantial share of schools still cannot guarantee the most basic hygiene standards. UNICEF estimates that more than 663 million children attend institutions where drinking water is unsafe, toilets are non‑functional, and hand‑washing facilities are absent, exposing them to preventable illnesses and undermining learning outcomes.

In schools lacking safe water, children are forced to rely on contaminated sources, increasing the risk of diarrheal diseases that account for a significant proportion of absenteeism. Inadequate sanitation disproportionately affects girls, who may miss classes during menstruation due to insufficient toilet privacy and hygiene supplies. The deficiency also hampers broader public‑health goals, as schools are pivotal sites for disease transmission and health education. Despite international commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goal 6, progress remains uneven, with low‑income regions reporting the highest gaps in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.

Addressing these deficiencies will require coordinated investment from governments, donors, and the private sector to upgrade infrastructure, train staff, and ensure reliable maintenance. Strengthening WASH provisions in schools is essential not only for protecting children’s health but also for sustaining attendance and educational achievement as the new school year unfolds.