Just How Big is the Schism Between the Health Sector and the Water and Sanitation Sector in Developing Countries?
2008
The Gap Between Health and Water/Sanitation in Developing Countries
Commentary
Author Information
Author(s): A. A. Cronin, K. Pond
Primary Institution: Robens Centre for Public and Environmental Health, University of Surrey
Hypothesis
How significant is the disconnect between the health sector and the water and sanitation sector in developing countries?
Conclusion
There is a critical need for improved collaboration between the health and WASH sectors to address the high burden of disease associated with inadequate water and sanitation.
Supporting Evidence
- 25% of child deaths are related to water-borne diseases.
- Poor sanitation may be the single greatest contributing factor to child deaths.
- Health and WASH sectors often operate in isolation, leading to missed public health opportunities.
Takeaway
Water and sanitation are really important for keeping people healthy, especially kids, but the health and water sectors don't always work well together.
Limitations
The article does not provide specific data or studies to quantify the extent of the schism.
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