Study aims to break the cycle of disease

Abstract

Sanitation and health Study aims to break the cycle of disease Every year, on World Toilet Day (19 November), we are reminded of the plight of the estimated 2.4 billion people worldwide who do not have access to a safe toilet. Safe sanitation is not only an issue of dignity; it is also of crucial importance to the preservation of human health and well-being, especially among children. There is an urgency to serve the remaining communities – without toilets, people defecate in the open and the faecal contamination of the environment that results is responsible for tragic and preventable death and disease. While the diarrhoeal disease responsible for a high number of deaths among young children and vulnerable persons are often in the spotlight, open defecation is also a virtually sure route for the spread of helminthic (parasitic worm) infections. Infections with intestinal worms are widespread in South Arica, especially among children. Studies have shown as many as 90% of children are infected with one or more type of worm in South Africa.

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