Last week, the Science Academies of the G8+ joined together to release a statement on water and health.  The statement, signed by representatives of the Academies of Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Senegal, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States lists health and socio-economic impacts of safe water and sanitation and gives recommendations to their respective governments.

In the absence of improved sanitation, the efficacy of expensive vaccines and chemotherapy to control water-borne infectious diseases is seriously compromised.  Policy-makers must understand that access to drinking water and sanitation facilities go hand in hand. Solving the lack of water services for tap water supply, treatment, hygiene and sanitation would mitigate many other health, economic and social problems.  Providing sustainable access to safe water and sanitation is one of the most crucial development interventions in helping poor people to lift themselves out of poverty.

The full document can be found on our Resources page.