Sanitation remains a critical global challenge, with millions of people still lacking access to basic facilities that ensure the safe disposal of human waste. Despite progress in recent years, significant gaps persist, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

As of 2022, approximately 57% of the global population, or 4.6 billion people, had access to safely managed sanitation services. However, over 1.5 billion individuals still lack basic sanitation services, with 419 million resorting to open defecation, which poses serious health risks. Moreover, a substantial portion of household wastewater goes untreated, contributing to environmental pollution and public health hazards.

Inadequate sanitation has profound health consequences, leading to the spread of diarrheal diseases, cholera, dysentery, and other ailments. Each year, 1.4 million people succumb to diseases related to poor sanitation, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations in low-resource settings. Children under five years old are particularly vulnerable, with preventable deaths reaching alarming levels.

Benefits of Improved Sanitation 

Beyond mitigating diarrheal risks, improved sanitation offers a multitude of benefits. These include reducing the transmission of neglected tropical diseases, enhancing nutrition outcomes, promoting dignity and safety—especially for women and girls—boosting school attendance, combating antimicrobial resistance, and harnessing wastewater and sludge as valuable resources for water, nutrients, and energy.

Challenges Ahead

Despite international initiatives such as the call to eliminate open defecation by 2025, significant challenges remain. Achieving universal access to basic sanitation services demands accelerated progress, especially in densely populated urban areas where infrastructure deficits are acute. Inadequate sanitation exacerbates inequalities and undermines efforts to address climate change, necessitating resilience-building measures.

Response and Recommendations:

The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a pivotal role in addressing sanitation challenges through monitoring, advocacy, and technical assistance. WHO advocates for the right to safe drinking water and sanitation, supports countries in policy development and service delivery, and promotes effective risk management practices. Collaboration with partners, integration with health programs, and consideration of climate resilience are crucial aspects of WHO’s approach.

Sanitation is not merely a matter of infrastructure; it is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of public health. Addressing sanitation challenges requires concerted efforts from governments, international organisations, civil society, and the private sector. By prioritising sanitation, we can not only save lives but also promote sustainable development, equity, and resilience in communities worldwide. Let us commit to realising the vision of adequate and equitable sanitation for all, leaving no one behind in our pursuit of a healthier, more prosperous future.