This represents a basic indicator useful for assessing sustainable development, especially human health. Accessibility to adequate excreta disposal facilities is fundamental to decrease the faecal risk and the frequency of associated diseases. These indicators represent two of the eight elements of primary health care. In addition, many countries have established national targets. It represents a component of the WHO Global Strategy for Health for All by the year 2000.
Suitable facilities range from simple but protected pit latrines to flush toilets with sewerage.
The numerator is the number of people with adequate excreta-disposal facilities available multiplied by 100. The denominator is the total population. Basic sanitation is a fundamental factor in the human health component of sustainable development. This indicator reflects the State of access to sanitary facilities with in the DSR Framework. The availability of facilities does not always translate into their utilization.