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Table 3 Impact of WASH on NTDs

From: Challenges and opportunities associated with neglected tropical disease and water, sanitation and hygiene intersectoral integration programs

WASH objectives for disease control

Enabling activities

Desired behaviors

NTD-specific outcomes

Reduced amount of human feces in environment

Construction and maintenance of latrines

Elimination of open defecation practices

Reduced breeding sites for the M. sorbens fly, which spreads trachoma

Reduced transmission of STH and schistosome eggs

Daily practice of personal and environmental hygiene activities

Increased access to water in homes, schools and communities

Increased daily hand washing behaviors at key times

Elimination of bacteria and eggs from hands

Behavior change communication

Increased daily face washing

Reduced reservoir of trachoma bacteria transmitted via flies, fingers, and fomites

Decreased contact with contaminated surface water bodies

Separation of people from water infested with schistosome parasites

Increased use of safe water for washing clothes, bathing, and swimming

Separation of people from water infested with schistosome parasites

More frequent washing of clothes in safe water

Reduced transfer of trachoma bacteria via dirty fabric

Cleaning and upkeep of latrines

Reduced breeding sites for the M. sorbens fly, which spreads trachoma

Increased washing of lower limbs and feet affected by lymphedema

Removal of dirt and bacteria that can cause skin infections

  1. Permission was granted from an author of the manual below. Impact of WASH on the NTDs, 2013. Available from: http://washntds.org/PDF/ALL%20WASH%20NTD%20Manual.pdf Table shows more specified impact that WASH has on NTD prevention