WORLD WATER DAY: WATER IS THE UNSUNG HERO OF COVID-19 — AND EVERYTHING ELSE
Today is World Water Day and it’s taking place against the backdrop of a global pandemic. Covid-19 has changed everything but it seems like the world is waking up to how vital this resource is. Water truly is life.
We must celebrate the role of water in the fight against Covid-19. But we must also recognise the billions of people across the globe who do not have access to basic water and sanitation. Those who live in close confines and can’t practice social distance or wash their hands consistently throughout the day.
Water is critical in fighting this pandemic.
We’re warned in advertisements, news alerts and via social media that washing our hands, coughing into our elbows and social distancing are the most effective ways to fight Covid-19.
Imagine, just for a moment, the hundreds of millions of people living in towns and communities where water doesn’t flow from a tap.
Where, even before panic buying, bottles of water sparsely populated the shelves in local stores.
Where the nearest source of water is a river so contaminated by pollutants or insect larvae that, each time you ingest its water, you are risking your life.
Where you have to wait for the trucks to bring water to your home so you can cook, drink and (if any is left over) wash.
This is reality for the over half of the global population or 4.2 billion people who lack safe sanitation.
I’ve met these people.
People who have never known the luxury of standing in front of a basin, lathering up their hands and singing “I will survive” as clean water flows out of a tap.
As we rally against Covid-19, it’s time for us to unite. To step up. To self-isolate if necessary and to social distance when it’s not. To make sure that we’re there not only for ourselves, but for our communities, societies and the planet on which we live.
Last year a global community of runners came together in support of our #runningdry movement. This year our greatest act of solidarity is in staying apart. As the consequences of this pandemic run their course, we’ll need this spirit of togetherness more than ever
When crisis hits, it's is too late to prepare. But we need to learn from this moment and ensure that every person in the world has access to clean water and sanitation by 2030. We cannot afford to wait. Everyone has a role to play.
Social Media Toolkit
World Water Day wouldn’t be complete without your voice. Join me in celebrating water and sharing key messages with friends and family. Feel free to use the graphics and posts below to start conversations and raise awareness of these crucial issues.
Click to download these social media graphics:
