BMA says inadequate sanitation is a global crisis

Lack of adequate sanitation is a global crisis that is undermining all development efforts—and particularly efforts to reduce the number of children who die before their fifth birthday. That is the message from the BMA, which has dubbed sanitation “the silent emergency.”

It was described as “the last taboo of international development” and “the missing link in international health” at a briefing held this week.

BMA chairman Hamish Meldrum said: “In developing countries, thousands of children are dying every day due to lack of adequate sanitation and basic hygiene. Governments must take action now on …