Geographical inequalities in access to water and sanitation among Brazilian maritime islands’ inhabitants

Islands used to present environmental and social peculiarities because of their specific-related aspects, like boundedness, smallness, and isolation, that may shape spatial development patterns on island territories. Assessing inequalities in drinking water supply and sanitation is crucial to tracking progress toward universal and equitable access on islands. There are 1200 islands in the Brazilian Coastal Zone, where about 3.9 million inhabitants live. A geographic database was structured to quantify coverage and geographical inequalities in access to drinking water supply and sanitation among Brazilian maritime islands' inhabitants. Results demonstrated that Brazilian maritime island inhabitants still face severe challenges in accessing drinking water supply and sanitation. About 20% of the Brazilian maritime island inhabitants (over 730,000 people) need access to an improved drinking water supply. Another 60% (over 2,2 million) need access to improved sanitation. Inequalities within and between the Brazilian Federal States are substantial, both in urban and rural areas, mainly in the North and Northeast Brazilian regions. These results suggest the need for greater attention on the Brazilian island territory and inhabitants’ demands. These estimates can be used to guide decisions and track progress toward global and national commitments to promoting universal access to water and sanitation for all.