Global WASH-Related Diseases and Contaminants (cont.)

Sanitation & Hygiene-Related Diseases

Sanitation and hygiene are critical to health, survival, and development. A significant amount of disease could be prevented through better access to adequate sanitation facilities and better hygiene practices. Improved sanitation facilities (e.g., toilets and latrines) allow people to dispose of their waste appropriately, which helps break the infection cycle of many diseases.

Hygiene refers to acts that can lead to good health and cleanliness, such as frequent handwashing, face washing, and bathing with soap and clean water. Practicing personal hygiene in many parts of the world can be difficult due to lack of clean water and soap.

Providing access to safe water and sanitation facilities, and promoting proper hygiene behavior are important in reducing the burden of disease from sanitation and hygiene-related diseases.

Sanitation and hygiene related diseases are those such as:

• Lice
• Lymphatic filariasis
• Ringworm
• Scabies
• Soil transmitted helminthiasis
• Trachoma

Note: Many of the waterborne diseases of the previous section may also be associated with inadequate sanitation and hygiene.

SOURCES:

Centers for Disease Control

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