Proof of concept of estimates for the unsafe return of human excreta to the environment To develop, field-test and disseminate new and improved ways to measure and assess the public health significance of, untreated human waste in the environment
Phase 1:
There is a need to track human excreta beyond their initial deposit in toilets through to their final return to the environment, to ensure that the population is properly protected from the diseases spread by this waste. The Water Institute team, in collaboration with the University of Alabama and with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will develop and pilot approaches for international agencies and countries to (1) estimate the fraction of human excreta unsafely returned to the environment, and (2) estimate where in the sanitation chain this occurs.
The work is intended to inform the expected Sustainable Development Goal Target to reduce the amount of human excreta unsafely returned to the environment. The “global scorecard” for excreta management developed will assist governments, funding agencies and development agencies to address progress and the need for improvement more effectively, both from an improved understanding of the situation, and from the clearer insight into the global situation.
Phase 2:
An ongoing project entitled “Proof of Concept of Estimates of the Unsafe Return of Human Excreta to the Environment” has explored the feasibility of developing national indicators for the Sustainable Development Goals for sanitation at the national level. The value and impact of the existing work would be significantly enhanced by further, relatively modest efforts in a number of areas.
Mission
To develop, field-test and disseminate new and improved ways to measure and assess the public health significance of, untreated human waste in the environmentApproach
Research or implementation partners: University of Alabama, USAAnswer questions about the project
Filter / Tags
Behaviour changeHealth and hygienePolitical processes and institutional aspectsGlobalOtherFaecal sludge treatment processesBill & Melinda Gates FoundationUniversity, education or research institution
Related Countries
United States
Project location
