As simple as WASH: How everyday habits reduce the spread of NTDs

The World Health Organization’s 2030 road map for neglected tropical diseases, or NTDs, includes recommendations for incorporating water, sanitation, and hygiene, or WASH, into NTD prevention, control, and management strategies — and for good reason.

Many NTDs — 21 conditions caused by various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins — are linked to poor hygiene and sanitation. Notable examples include trachoma, a disease caused by bacteria that thrives in places with poor sanitation, and schistosomiasis — also known as snail fever — which is spread through contaminated water infected with parasitic worm eggs.

In this episode of #EscapetheNeglect, Climate Bender explains simple WASH practices to stop the onset and spread of neglected tropical diseases. Via YouTube Shorts

Besides contributing to the achievement of the sixth Sustainable Development Goal, or SDG 6, of ensuring clean water and sanitation for all, WASH practices are critical in preventing and managing NTDs, reducing people’s exposure and improving their quality of life.

Engaging communities in these practices — such as proper construction of latrines and access to clean water — is a key component of NTD awareness and prevention.

Here, Abdurrahman Ali Alhafiz, also known as Climate Bender — a climate activist, SDG advocate, and member of True My Voice — shares some simple but effective actions people can take in their daily lives to protect themselves and their communities.

Watch the video above to learn more.

Visit Escape the Neglect — a series exploring the extraordinary progress that countries are making in eliminating neglected tropical diseases, or NTDs, and showcasing promising opportunities to build on recent wins.

This content is produced in partnership with our Escape the Neglect series. Click here to learn more.