Question

Discuss 3 consequences of poor sanitation (lack of adequate toilet facilities) in low-income countries. Include examples in your answer.

Answer 1

1.First and the major consequence of having a poor sanitation is the risk of transmission of diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, diarrhea, dysentery etc. Oral fecal transmission of diseases is at its peaks in such conditions. Also there is increased breeding ground of various bacteria and protozoa when there is poor ultimately effecting health and well being.  

2. Preveting the pollution of water souces. Open defacation can lead to polluting valuable water souces in that area and that water will become a breeding ground for mosquitos and other insects which further decrease the water souces to be used by the people.

3. Reductions in the quality of human life as a whole. Poor sanitation will lead to reduced human well being, social and economic development due to impacts which includes anxiety, increase rate of illiteracy which has a direct impact on increase loss of educational opportunities and which leads to low economic conditions and also one of the major risk in third world countries with poor sanitation is the risk of increased sexual assault.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INCLUDES-

Benefits of improved sanitation extend well beyond reducing the risk of diarrhoea or any other disease for that matter. These include :

• reducing the spread of intestinal worms, schistosomiasis and trachoma, which are neglected tropical diseases that cause suffering for millions;
• reducing the severity and impact of malnutrition;
• promoting dignity and boosting safety, particularly among women and girls;
• promoting school attendance: girls’ school attendance is particularly boosted by the provision of separate sanitary facilities; and
• potential recovery of water, renewable energy and nutrients from faecal waste.

After effects of poor sanitation are-

• Increased illiteracy which has a major consequence in young school going girls.
• Taboo of menstruation and myths and religious beliefs increase. Not to mention the struggle to find a safe place to change cloth or pads during menstruation. This can lead to lack of confidence in young girls and depression aswell.
• Poor sanitation can take a toll on mental health if the person has frequentl health issues and also financial burden to pay for the medical expenses would increase.
• Increase in the death count and low economic conditions would prevail.

THESE ARE THE MAJOR CONSEQUENCES WHICH I HAVE DISCUSSED, IF YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS TOPIC PLEASE LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS SECTION DOWN BELOW AND EVEN FOR FURTHER INFORMATION IF REQUIRED.

ALL THE BEST!

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