[Correspondence] Critical perspectives on GBD 2023 estimates

The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2023 highlights that inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) remain among the most preventable yet persistent drivers of global morbidity and mortality. Despite decades of evidence and some progress, unsafe water, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene continue to account for millions of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) every year. This issue largely affects low-income and middle-income countries. Globally, 780 million people do not have access to clean drinking water. Over 2 billion people do not have safely managed sanitation. These factors represent a significant global health burden.