News Trust: Fears over handwashing in Africa to stem coronavirus seen as trigger for change

Aid workers and advisors said countries should seize the moment ahead of World Water Day on Sunday to reinforce water security on a continent hit by frequent droughts and where many people do not have access to a sink.

“In the water sector we always say ‘Don’t waste a good crisis’,” said Inga Jacobs-Mata, the South African representative from non-profit research group the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

“Coronavirus has already highlighted that safe water and sanitation is essential to protecting human life during all infectious disease outbreaks,” she said in a phone interview.