Hygiene, sanitation, and water: forgotten foundations of health.

Summary Points

• A massive disease burden is associated with deficient hygiene, sanitation, and water supply and is largely preventable with proven, cost-effective interventions.
• The total benefits of these interventions are greater than the health benefits alone and can be valued at more than the costs of the interventions.
• Hygiene, sanitation, and water supply are development priorities, yet the ambition of international policy on drinking water and sanitation is inadequate.
• Hygiene, sanitation, and water supply continue to have health implications in the developed world.
• The active involvement of health professionals in hygiene, sanitation, and water supply is crucial to accelerating and consolidating progress for health.