Provision of adequate quantities of water has been found to reduce the median infection rate by 25 per cent. According to the WHO, there are globally 2.4 billion people living without basic sanitation and 1.1 billion living without basic access to improved water resources - and these are amongst the poorest groups in the world. The WHO reports that sanitation facilities interrupt the transmission of much faecal-oral disease at its most important source by preventing human faecal contamination of water and soil. Evidence suggests that sanitation is at least as effective in preventing disease as improved water supply. However, it involves major behavioural changes.
Sanitation is likely to be particularly effective in controlling worm infections.
Adults often think of sanitation in adult terms, but the safe disposal of children's faeces is of critical importance. Children are the main victims of diarrhoea and other faecal-oral disease, and also the most likely source of infection. Child-friendly toilets, and the development of effective school sanitation programmes, are important and popular strategies for promoting the demand for sanitation facilities and enhancing their impact. Further information is available from the address at the foot of this page. WHO , implemented by IRC .