Spatial analysis of unimproved drinking water source in East Africa: Using Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 2012-2023.

ABSTRACT:

Background

According to the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme, unimproved drinking water sources include unprotected wells and springs, surface water (e.g., rivers, lakes), vendor-provided water, bottled water (without improved alternatives), and tanker truck-provided water. In East Africa, 68.7% of water at very high risk comes from such sources. Using unimproved drinking water sources can lead to serious health risks, including waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid fever, and hepatitis. Therefore, this study aimed to map the spatial distribution of unimproved drinking water sources in the region.

Methods

We analyzed recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 12 East African countries (Burundi, Comoros, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique

SUBMITTER: Demoze L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11925304 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature