Dissemination Workshop on study of health gains from Swachh Bharat Mission organized in New Delhi

A dissemination workshop aimed at sharing the findings of a study conducted by the World Health Organisation on the health gains owing to Swachh Bharat Mission was organized on August 3, 2018 in New Delhi. The study summarizes the preliminary estimations of potential health impacts due to increased sanitation coverage through the SBM. Dr. Henk Bekedam, the WHO representative to India, talked about the various aspects of the health gains because of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. According to the study, it has been estimated that the SBM will help in preventing more than 300,000 deaths due to diarrhoea and protein-energy malnutrition between 2014 and October 2019. Dr Richard P Johnston, the technical officer for water, sanitation and hygiene at WHO,  presented key findings and discussed the methodology used for the study. Unsafe sanitation caused nearly 199 million cases of diarrhoea annually before SBM(G) was initiated. These cases have gradually reduced and are expected to be nearly eliminated when the universal use of safe sanitation facilities is achieved by October 2019. Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ms. Preeti Sudan addressed the audience during the dissemination workshop. She appreciateed the efforts of  Swachh Bharat Mission for changing the mindse of the masses and working for a greater cause of sanitation. As per the study done by WHO, more than nearly 14 million DALYs (Disability-Adjusted Life Years) will be prevented due to diarrhoea and protein-energy malnutrition between 2014 and October 2019. Talking about the initiative of SBM, Secretary of Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Parameswaran Iyer acknowledged the efforts of the SBM team in making Swachhata everybody's business and discussed the key highlights of the study done by the WHO. The dissemination workshop concluded with a strong focus and promise to sustain the efforts of SBM, and ensuring a healthier future for our nation.  - EN