Safe water and sanitation 'key' to reducing poverty

Ensuring safe water supplies and adequate sanitation throughout the developing world are the most effective measures for curbing poverty and improving health, a report claims.

The UN University (UNU) analysis, 'Safe Water as the Key to Global Health', released this week (20 October), urges researchers to fill crucial knowledge gaps in these areas.

The report also calls for increased integration between various government agencies.

Colin Chartres, director of the Sri Lanka-based International Water Management Institute, told SciDev.Net access to safe drinking water and sanitation improves health and dignity for the poor.

"However, I argue with the contention that this is the top route to reducing world poverty. If we don't have enough food, fibre and fuel, having safe water to drink isn't that critical."  

He adds that he wants to see a more inclusive approach to water issues, where all types of water — agricultural, drinking, industrial and environmental — are dealt with together.