This report provides a systematic review of the evidence to date, both published and grey literature, on the relationship between water and sanitation and nutrition. It also examines the potential impact of improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) on undernutrition. This is the first report that undertakes a thorough review and discussion of WASH and nutrition in Bangladesh.
- Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress in overall health outcomes (particularly in reducing fertility and child and maternal mortality), but not as much in nutrition.
- The undernutrition problem has primarily been dealt with through health sector interventions in Bangladesh. These have successfully increased nutrition-related knowledge and attitudes, but have had limited impact on nutritional outcomes.
- The causes of undernutrition are multifactorial and calls for both “nutritionspecific†as well as “nutrition-sensitive†actions from multiple sectors, not just health.
- Improved WASH interventions are necessary for reducing undernutrition but not sufficient to create a dent in the undernutrition problem. Adequacy of food, health care, and WASH are all critical for reducing undernutrition.
- The diarrhea-undernutrition hypothesis postulated that diarrhea is both a cause and effect of undernutrition. Recent evidence, however, contends that the effect of diarrhea on undernutrition is not as significant as previously thought.
- Tropical/environmental enteropathy is characterized by decreased villous height and increased permeability of the intestinal tract.
- In the water and sanitation sector in Bangladesh, progress has been made in coverage of water and sanitation facilities, but not in hygiene promotion. The qualities of water and sanitation facilities also need improvements.
- The Government of Bangladesh (GOB) has formulated a set of comprehensive policies and strategies in the water and sanitation sector (four legislative acts, two national policies, and five national strategies). However, translation of these policies and strategies into action appears to be a challenge.
WHAT TO READ NEXT
Published By
Copyright
- Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
Document Type
Language
Geography
Linked Data show/hide