Making the Case for Investing in Water, Sanitation & Hygiene

Credit: Abir Abdullah/WaterAidBy Ruth RomerLONDON, Aug 27 2018 (IPS)Tea picker Bina, 45 from Sylhet, Bangladesh, used to walk for an hour each day to collect water from a well, also using water from a nearby stream, which was contaminated. Bina and her children were often sick as a result; leading to missed work and a loss of income.WaterAid worked with the owner of the tea estate to introduce clean water and toilets in the tea gardens and surrounding areas. The new pumps and latrines have transformed Bina’s life, and have benefitted the estate too. A tea garden manager said: “Waterborne diseases have reduced so we pay fewer sick days. Efficiency has increased.”It is clear that access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) increases productivity and results in economic benefits. There are fewer illnesses and deaths due to diarrhoeal disease, time benefits as staff seek less healthcare, and greater productivity.In macro-economic terms, it is estimated that every dollar invested in sanitation returns US$5.5 in benefits and every dollar invested in drinking water supply returns US$2. Yet 844 million of people still don’t have access to this vital resource.In macro-economic terms, it is estimated that every dollar invested in sanitation returns US$5.5 in benefits and every dollar invested in drinking water supply returns US$2. Yet 844 million of people still don’t have access to this vital resource.Business must be part of the solution to the global WASH crisis; no on...

Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - August 27, 2018 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Ruth Romer Tags: Development & Aid Environment Featured Headlines Health Poverty & SDGs TerraViva United Nations Water & Sanitation Source Type: news