In a significant public health achievement, Brazil has halved the number of public schools without any access to water over the past year, as reported by Unicef. In 2024, there were 2,512 schools lacking water access, a number that dropped to 1,203 in 2025. This reduction highlights the country's commitment to improving infrastructure in educational institutions coinciding with the observance of World Water Day on March 22.

Despite this progress, the country still faces challenges, with 75,000 students enrolled in schools without water access, though this is a decrease from 179,000 in the previous year. The report underscores that the problem is particularly acute in rural areas, where 96% of the 1,203 schools without water are located. The lack of access significantly impacts the quality of education and health of students, making it a critical issue for policymakers.

The data also reveals important socio-economic disparities, showing that the majority of students affected by the lack of water are black, comprising about 63% of the population in these schools, while indigenous students make up 13%. These statistics indicate a pressing need for targeted interventions to ensure that all students, regardless of their background or geographical location, have access to essential resources necessary for their education and well-being.