A recent publication released by the World Health Organization (WHO) discusses the critical role of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene in preventing nearly one tenth of the global disease burden. The World Health Organization plays a pivotal role in the international Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector by engaging in relevant research and establishing international water quality standards relevant to human health. Numerous additional WASH resources are available via WHO.

The following is a summary statement of the ‘Safer water, better health’ publication taken from the WHO website:

“The first-ever report depicting country-by-country estimates of the burden of disease due to water, sanitation and hygiene highlights how much disease could be prevented through increased access to safe water and better hygiene.

This comprehensive overview provides the epidemiological evidence and economic arguments for fully integrating water, sanitation and hygiene in countries’ disease reduction strategies — a pre-requisite to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. It also provides the basis for preventive action by all relevant sectors managing critical water resources and services in support of public health efforts.

Lack of safe water, sanitation and hygiene remains one of the world’s most urgent health issues.”

Reference: World Health Organization, 2008. http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/publications/safer_water/en/index.html (accessed on June 26, 2008).