Access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is a human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development (SDG 6). Despite progress, 2.2 billion people lack safe drinking water, and 4.2 billion lack proper sanitation. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored hygiene’s importance, yet 40% of schools and many healthcare facilities lack handwashing facilities, disproportionately affecting rural and low-income communities. While 71% of the global population now has safely managed water, disparities persist: Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia lag furthest behind, with wealth and location dictating access. Improved data collection and equity-focused policies are vital to achieving universal WASH access by 2030.