Experts have stressed on provision of clean water for drinking to the people to prevent water-borne diseases, which according to them affect the health of 37.7 million Indians.

The experts expressed their views during the webinar on ''Water Borne Diseases-Prevention and Symptoms (Jal, Jeevanu aur Jeevan)'' organsied by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

The webinar, which is a part of the Illness to Wellness initiative, highlighted about the pathogenic microbes spread via contaminated water leading to water borne illnesses.

Viruses and bacteria among other microscopic organisms that are ingested through contaminated water can induce conditions known as waterborne infections. Many diseases can be spread when bathing, washing, drinking, or eating food that has come into contact with contaminated water. Typhoid, hepatitis A, jaundice, and diarrhoea are a few of the most prevalent water-borne illnesses in India.

Anil Rajput, Chairperson, ASSOCHAM CSR Council, in his welcome address said, “Water stands out to be the most essential element in our lives as human body constitutes 60% of water''. Highlighting the high burden of water borne diseases, he said, ''80% of the global diseases are water borne which arise out of consumption of unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene practices.

 “While water is life, clean water is healthy. Public awareness on drinking safe water and maintaining high standards of personal cleanliness and sanitation is extremely vital in keeping water borne diseases at bay”, he added.

 (Padma Shri) Dr Sanjeev Bagai, Pediatrician Chairman, Nephron Clinic provided insight into the pathogenic microorganisms, toxic exudates they produce, and other contaminants that work together to cause serious illnesses like cholera, diarrhoea, typhoid, amebiasis, hepatitis, gastroenteritis, giardiasis, campylobacteriosis, scabies, and worm infections, to name He continued, "Water borne infections can only be stopped and prevented by WASH (Water and Sanitation Hygiene). He said that each year, 1.5 million people die from water-borne infections worldwide.

He said that due to inadequate cleanliness and weakened immunity, children are most affected by the majority of water-borne infections globally. The majority of these illnesses pose a risk to life. With the onset of globalisation over the past few decades, knowledge of the various types of water-borne diseases has advanced.

Dr Paras Gangwal Gold Medalist, MBBS MD(Medicine) Consultant Physician, Internist and Intensivist most hospital admissions are for water borne diseases. Abdominal pain, cramps, dizziness, nausea are a few of the symptoms and it is advised that if a person has breathing issues or is unable to urinate should consult a doctor. Poor hygiene and sanitation are the major issues that lead to such a situation.

Mostly diarrhea can cause death in immunocompromised individuals, the very young, and the elderly due to dehydration from prolonged illness, which is caused by E coli infection, he added.