More than 2.4 billion people lack access to sanitation facilities and are unable to practise such basic hygiene as washing their hands in safe water. Access to sanitation facilities is a fundamental human right that safeguards health and human dignity.
Children are the most vulnerable to health hazards and subsequently are also affected the most.
In many countries throughout the world, schools have very poor sanitation environments. Under these conditions, schools become unsafe places where diseases are transmitted. One of the major problems faced by hundreds of millions of school age children is infection by parasites and flukes. Good health at school is essential for now and an investment for the future. School Sanitation and Hygiene Education focuses on development of life-skills, a healthy and safe school environment and outreach to the families and communities.