Poor children in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are particularly at risk. Meanwhile, intestinal parasites such as roundworm, whipworm and hookworm, are transmitted through contaminated soil in areas where open defecation is practiced. Hookworm is a leading cause of anaemia, or reduced red blood cell count, in pregnant women, resulting in malnourished, underweight babies. On World Toilet Day, UNICEF, is calling for "concrete and innovative solutions" to resolve the sanitation issue and save children's lives. The agency says there are "no excuses" not to act on access to toilets, even in the poorest communities.
Ripoti hiyo “laumu na fukuza” inaeleza jinsi ukimwi wa chini kwa chini unavyoathiri watoto Ulaya Mashariki na Asia ya Kati, inatanabaisha mambo yanayowakabili watoto wanaoishi na virusi vya HIV, watoto wanaojihusisha na ngono isiyo salama, wanawake wajawazito wanaotumia mihadarati na pia inaeleza kwamba kuna zaidi ya watoto na vijana milioni moja wanaoishi au kufanya kazi mitaani katika maeneo hayo.