The shamefully weak presence of the health sector in advocating for improved access to water and sanitation is incomprehensible and completely short-sighted. Children who benefit from the huge international effort and financial and human resources spent on immunisation and bednet distribution still have a strong chance of dying from diarrhoeal illnesses—the second biggest killer of children under 5 years. Yet the global health community is standing aside, absolving itself of responsibility, and firmly passing the buck to the water and sanitation sectors. The health sector could, and should, be a powerful voice in lobbying governments, and demanding that donors give more funding to water and sanitation, just as it has done, with some success, in advocating for access to essential medicines.
The complete Lancet editorial - March 29, 2008
1 response so far ↓
Carolyn Allen // March 28, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Excellent website about an important topic that affects all nations, all communities. Sustainable communities must provide systems for good hygiene and access to it. Keep up the good work.
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