Data and statistics
Access to safe drinking water
The MDG drinking-water target, which calls for halving the proportion of the population without sustainable access to safe drinking-water between 1990 and 2015, was met in 2010, five years ahead of schedule. While this is a tremendous achievement, continued efforts are needed. In 2011, 768 million people still relied on unimproved drinking water sources.
Global Health Observatory
WHO's portal providing access to data and analyses for monitoring the global health situation
fact buffet
Improved drinking water sources
768 millionpeople still relied on unimproved drinking water sources in 2011.
Data analysis on the use of improved drinking water sourcesImproved sanitation facilities
2.5 billionpeople still lacked access to improved sanitation facilities in 2011.
Data analysis on the use of improved sanitation facilitiesOpen defecation
1 billionpeople practised open defecation in 2011.
WHO/UNICEF joint monitoring report 2013: Progress on sanitation and drinking water