Water, sanitation and hygiene: keys to a dignified life

In the same way that water is the essence of life, relying on

sanitation and hygiene services implies the coverage of basic

universal needs that, for many, is a luxury. Their impacts and

benefits are immediate at a domestic and community level, but

despite this they are frequently ignored as critical elements that

allow families better performance in their daily activities within

a healthy environment. Children are especially vulnerable to illnesses because of a

contaminated environment. According to the World Health

Organization (WHO), improvement in the supply of water

reduced child mortality caused by diarrhea by 21 percent, but

by the simple act of washing hands at critical moments this can

reduce the number of diarrhea cases by up to 35 percent.

Regional programs and projects have promoted the

participation of communities in driving their own change, by

promoting secure hygienic practices and access to basic

services, especially in excluded populations, almost always

dispersed, such as indigenous groups, suburban and rural

populations. Following is presented a selection of

these experiences.