Assessing Rural Communities in Central and East Africa: How to Provide Clean Water and Sanitation by 2030.

INTRODUCTION: The provision of clean drinking water and proper sanitation is essential for public health, particularly in rural areas with limited resources. The goal of Sustainable Development Goal 6 is to ensure that all people have access to clean water and adequate sanitation by 2030. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to identify differences in the availability of basic services such as drinking water and sanitation in rural areas of 15 African countries. METHODS: The research examines data on sanitation and clean water from 15 African countries using a well-balanced panel data technique. Key indicators such as access to drinking water, sanitation services, and healthcare coverage were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: According to the findings, there are significant differences in the availability of clean water and sanitation in rural areas. The study draws attention to several problematic issues, such as a high rate of open defecation (29.3%), inadequate sanitation services (20.1%), and limited access to safe-guarded drinking water (7.4%). The number of people who lack access to electricity, clean cooking fuel, and basic hand washing facilities is alarming (20.6%, 26.7% and 14.4%, respectively). The deficiencies cause an average mortality rate from communicable diseases of 50.3% and inadequate treatment of diarrhea in children under 5 years of age (39.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Rural communities in 15 African countries face serious challenges when it comes to accessing clean water and sanitation, as indicated by the study. An urgent public health crisis is posed by the unavailability of safe managed drinking water for 7.4% of the population and the high prevalence of open defecation at 29.3%. To address these problems effectively, governments must establish integrated health and sanitation policies that emphasize community participation, public health education, and infrastructure improvements.