What A re T he B enefits O f I mproved S anitation? Beyond lowering the risk of diarrhoea and other diseases linked to poor sanitation, improved sanitation has many other advantages. Learn the importance of proper sanitation to good health on this World Toilet Day. Despite the enormous health benefits of improved sanitation, over 4.2 billion people worldwide — more than half the world’s population — continue to lack access to properly maintained sanitation facilities like toilets or latrines. Every year on Novembe r 19, World Toilet Day seeks to address the worldwide sanitation crisis and ensure that they leave no one without access to basic sanitation. The government of India had started the largest cleanliness campaign in the world, Swachh Bharat India or the clea n India Moment. This played a significant role in sanitation in India. It focused on both rural and urban sanitation of the country. According to data, up to 673 million individuals worldw ide continue to defecate in public places, including open roadway gutters, bushes, and open bodies of water. Infection control experts have highlighted open defecation as a significant health risk. About, 4,32,000 fatalities from diarrhoea are thought to b e caused by poor sanitation per year. It plays a significant role in the development of conditions, including trachoma and intestinal worms. Malnutrition results from poor sanitation, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Advantages of better sanitation Beyond lowering the risk of diarrhoea and other diseases linked to poor sanitation, improved sanitation has many other advantages. Consider the health benefits that can result from better sanitation and hygiene, such as having access to a clean bathroom. 1. The spread of intestinal worms, schistosomiasis, and trachoma — neglected tropical diseases that harm millions of people — will be slowed down by better sanitation and hygiene. A higher risk of disease transmission, including that of cholera, di arrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio, is also associated with poor sanitation. 2. Stunting in children can also be made worse by unhygienic living conditions. Thus, having adequate sanitation facilities will aid in lessening the intensity a nd effects of malnutrition. 3. Additionally, it will uphold dignity and increase safety, especially for women and girls who are disproportionately affected by poor sanitation due to sex - and gender - related disparities (cultural and societal variables) (ph ysiological factors) 4. According to the WHO, providing girls with separate restrooms will help encourage them to attend school. 5. The potential recovery of water, renewable energy, and improved cleanliness also made nutrients from faeces easier. Accord ing to WHO research from 2012, better sanitation will also save healthcare costs, increase productivity, and result in fewer preventable deaths. Overall, adequate cleanliness, safe water, and sufficient sanitation are essential for not only good health bu t also for social and economic growth.