On Aug. 13, 2020, data from the World Health Organization/United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund 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.

The report stresses that governments seeking to control the spread of COVID-19 must balance the need for implementation of public health measures versus the associated social and economic impacts of lockdown measures. Evidence of the negative impacts of prolonged school closures on children’s safety, well being and learning are well-documented, the report says.