Resources / It's the Big Issue

Summary

Need a quick introduction to water supply, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)? Here's an easy to read summary of the most important facts, issues, opinions, and lessons learned in recent years. You'll find out how a WASH programme: • attacks one of the worst symptoms and most important causes of poverty • decimates disease and liberates productivity • offers greater dignity and safety – especially for women and girls • improves nutrition and the physical and mental growth of children • improves the living environment – cleaner communities, streets, fields and rivers • reduces the burden on women of water carrying • reduces the burden of looking after sick children • liberates energy for self-employment • reduces absenteeism from work • boosts school enrollment, attendance and performance • reduces private expenditure on health by families • boosts tourism and national image • creates jobs, as installation of water supply and sanitation is labour intensive • serves justice and equity by bringing the greatest benefits to the lives of the poorest. Aimed at compelling the reader into helping in whatever capacity they can by converting this knowledge into active participation which helps end the ongoing neglect of the very foundations of public health.