What is the connection between sanitation and economic development?

Improved sanitation plays a crucial role in enhancing public health, which directly influences productivity and economic growth. When sanitation conditions are adequate, the incidence of diseases caused by inadequate wastewater management, poor hygiene, and unsanitary living conditions decreases. This leads to a healthier population that is capable of working more efficiently and effectively.

Healthier individuals require fewer days off work due to illness, thus strengthening a country's workforce. Moreover, better health can reduce healthcare costs for both individuals and governments. When people are less burdened by health issues related to poor sanitation, they can engage more fully in economic activities, driving economic development forward.

In this context, the relationship between sanitation and economic development highlights the importance of investing in sanitation infrastructure and services, which ultimately contribute to broader socio-economic benefits. These connections underscore the vital role that sanitation plays in fostering a productive economic environment.