The Hidden Link: How Lack of Clean Water and Sanitation Contributes to Malnutrition in Colombian Children

November 2024

By Delia Visbal

In this edition of our bi-weekly blog, we address a critical but often overlooked issue: how poor sanitation and lack of access to clean drinking water are deeply intertwined with malnutrition in Colombian children. While food insecurity is frequently highlighted as the primary cause of malnutrition, water and hygiene play an equally important role in the fight against childhood malnutrition in vulnerable communities.

The Challenge: Lack of Clean Water and Sanitation

Across many towns and rural regions in Colombia, access to clean water and reliable sanitation systems remains inadequate. According to UNICEF, 18% of Colombia’s rural population lacks access to improved drinking water, and 36% of these communities have inadequate sanitation facilities . In many cases, families are forced to rely on contaminated water sources, which contribute to a range of health issues.

This scarcity of clean water exacerbates poor hygiene practices and leads to the spread of waterborne diseases, including diarrhea, cholera, and other infections. Diarrhea is particularly dangerous for children, and studies have shown that it remains the second leading cause of death in children under five worldwide. In Colombia, waterborne diseases are still prevalent in regions lacking adequate sanitation, contributing to malnutrition by impairing children’s ability to absorb nutrients.

The Hygiene-Malnutrition Connection

When clean water and proper sanitation are unavailable, children are exposed to unsafe conditions that make it difficult for their bodies to utilize the nutrients they consume. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 50% of malnutrition cases are associated with repeated diarrhea or intestinal infections caused by poor sanitation and unsafe water . Even when children in these communities have access to food, their bodies may be unable to properly digest and absorb nutrients due to frequent infections. This creates a vicious cycle: poor sanitation leads to illness, illness leads to poor nutrient absorption, and poor nutrient absorption exacerbates malnutrition.

The Impact of Waterborne Illnesses

In areas where waterborne illnesses are common, children are far more likely to suffer from chronic malnutrition. Diarrheal diseases alone are responsible for a significant portion of the global disease burden, particularly among young children. In Colombia, more than 2,000 children die each year from conditions related to poor water quality and sanitation. The weakened immune systems of children living in these conditions make them more susceptible to malnutrition, which further diminishes their ability to fight off diseases.

Diarrhea, in particular, can cause rapid dehydration and a dangerous loss of essential electrolytes and nutrients. According to the WHO, children who suffer from prolonged bouts of diarrhea have a significantly higher risk of stunted growth, a common form of malnutrition in Colombia, where 12.7% of children under five are stunted . Stunting has long-term consequences, affecting not only physical growth but also cognitive development and academic performance.

Addressing the Root Cause

Ensuring access to clean water and improving sanitation are fundamental to breaking the cycle of malnutrition. Providing clean water, sanitation infrastructure, and hygiene education in vulnerable communities can prevent many of the illnesses that impair nutrient absorption. Studies have shown that improving access to clean water and sanitation can reduce child diarrhea cases by up to 40% , significantly improving the health outcomes of children.

NEACOL’s Commitment to Change

At NEACOL, we are committed to addressing the root causes of malnutrition in Colombia, including the lack of access to clean water and sanitation. By supporting organizations like Zenú Indigenous Reservation - El Volao and programs that focus on improving water infrastructure and providing education on hygiene practices, we aim to reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases and promote healthier, more sustainable communities. We recognize that access to clean water is not only a human right but also a crucial factor in ensuring the long-term health and development of Colombian children.

If you’d like to help NEACOL eradicate malnutrition in Colombian children in need, click here to donate. Your contribution can help bring clean water and sanitation to more communities in need and help many lives.

Thank you for supporting the well-being of Colombian children.