On Aug. 13, 2020, data from the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) revealed that 43 per cent of schools around the world lacked access to basic handwashing with soap and water – a key condition for schools to be able to operate safely in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the report, around 818 million children lack basic handwashing facilities at their schools, which puts them at increased risk of COVID-19 and other transmittable diseases. 7 out of 10 schools lack basic handwashing facilities and half of schools lack basic sanitation and water services.