Lecture (6): Sanitation

Lecture (6): Sanitation Lecture (4): Lecture objectives: By the end of this lecture students should be able to: To know the definition of sanitation. To know the health hazards resulting from human wastes.

lecture (6) Topic (1) Definition of sanitation: “Hygiene” is defined as a cumulative group of practices that is perceived by groups of people to be a way towards healthy living or good health. “Sanitation” is defined as the way in which humans promote healthy living and good health by preventing human contact with wastes and other forms of microorganisms that cause disease.

Sanitation is proper disposal of human and animal wastes, proper use of toilet and avoiding open space defecation. The provision of facilities and services for the safe disposal of human urine and faeces. The maintenance of hygienic conditions, through services such as garbage collection and wastewater disposal.

Key facts: In 2015, 68% of the world’s population had access to improved sanitation facilities . 2.4 billion people still do not have basic sanitation facilities such as toilets or latrines. 946 million still defecate in the open spaces. The proportion of people practicing open defecation globally has fallen almost by half, from 24%to 13%.

Topic (2) Health hazards resulting from human wastes: One gram of excreta can contain: 10,000,000 viruses 1,000,000 bacteria 1,000 parasites cysts 100 parasite eggs

Inadequate sanitation is estimated to cause 280 000 diarrheal deaths annually and is a major factor in several neglected tropical diseases, including: intestinal worms, schistosomiasis, and trachoma. Poor sanitation also contributes to malnutrition.