Wash And Health Working Together PDF Download

"Neglected tropical diseases affect over 1 billion people, causing chronic disability and death, primarily among the poorest of the world--the same people who often lack access to even the most basic water and sanitation services. Provision of safe water, sanitation and hygiene is critical for the prevention and care for many NTDs, but has often received little attention in NTD control programmes. The release of the WHO NTD roadmap has given renewed impetus for collaboration between WASH and NTD actors. International organisations, academics, donors, practitioners, and countries have started mobilising efforts to work together. It is time to build on the momentum in the health and development community to reinforce joint WASH and NTD actions to accelerate progress towards control, elimination and eradication of NTDs. The principle of leaving no one behind is central to the Sustainable Development Goals' agenda, including for sanitation and water. WASH providers must prioritize reduction of inequalities to align with this agenda. This means prioritising service delivery to poor communities who suffer from or are at risk of NTDs. With just five years remaining to meet the roadmap targets, the need for action is urgent. While acknowledging successes in the fight against NTDs, we must also recognize the changing global health context, characterized by increased fragility and conflict, inequality, and vulnerability to a changing environment affected by climate change and natural disasters. All these factors mean that we must ensure that the successes achieved are sustained. We urgently need a renewed commitment to collaboration that reaches the most vulnerable--those most affected by NTDs, and those without access to basic water and sanitation services and good quality affordable healthcare. This strategy builds on existing progress to tackle NTDs, such as the billions of anti-parasitic treatments delivered since 2006, and continued efforts to treat and care for those suffering the chronic effects of these diseases. The joint five-year agenda presented here calls for more effective delivery of WASH alongside other NTD interventions and paves the way for sustainable development and shared prosperity."--Foreword