“Diarrheal disease: Solutions to Defeat a Global Killer”, the research study conducted by PATH to evaluate the global health funding and policy landscape found that diarrheal disease ranked last among a list of other global health issues. Public awareness of this issue is also low, making it difficult to mobilize commitments and resources. In donor countries such as the United States, many are unaware of the burden of diarrheal disease and the existing prevention and treatment options.

In 2006, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a report highlighting the most common cause of death among children. The purpose was to raise the profile of that neglected disease. This report is written with the intent to focus attention on the prevention and management of diarrhoeal diseases as central to improving child survival.

"Clean water and sanitation can make or break human development."... read about the drinking water and sanitation scenario across the world in the “Human Development Report 2006' Beyond scarcity: Power, poverty and the global water crisis”. The HDR 2006 is an independent report commissioned by the UNDP for to assess the level of people's long-term well-being.

“Tackling the silent killer: The case for sanitation", written by Oliver Cumming, published by WaterAid in July 2008. This paper does not seek to privilege sanitation at the expense of other sectors but prioritise sanitation, alongside safe water, as part of an integrated approach to development.

This paper asserts that improved sanitation could bring the single greatest reduction in these deaths. The existing evidence points to poor sanitation being a major factor in approximately 2.4 million child deaths annually.

Access to safe drinking water and sanitation is essential for protection and promotion of health. It is a basic human right and a key component of effective public health delivery system. "Disease Burden due to Inadequate Water & Sanitation Facilities in India", is a study conducted by the Sulabh International Academy of Environmental Sanitation (SIAES) and published in 2008 with support from World Health Organization (WHO). The study documents the need and impact of provision of safe water and sanitary excreta disposal facilities towards preventing infectious diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis etc.

The case study titled “CDD-WATSAN Project in Ganjam and Kandhamal – An Assessment 1991-96” has been developed and published in 2004 by United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). This paper discusses the Control of Diarrhoea Diseases-Water Sanitation (CDD-WATSAN) project Ganjam and Kandhamal districts in Orissa from 1996 to 1999. A comparison of final impact assessments of the 2 districts is presented in terms of changes in the access to and use of water and sanitary facilities within households and primary schools, and improved hygiene practices and diarrhoea management at home.

The case study titled “CDD-WATSAN Project in Medinipur – An Assessment, 1991-2001” has been developed and published in 2004 by United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). This paper discusses the Control of Diarrhoeal Diseases-Water Sanitation (CDD-WATSAN) project carried out since 1991 in the district of Medinipur, West Bengal. A comparison of three studies — baseline, mid-term review and the final impact assessment — is presented. The key parameters considered were the use of water and sanitary facilities within households and primary schools, and improved hygiene practices at home.

" Practical Guide to Triggering Community-Led Total Sanitation", written by Kamal Kar and published in November 2005 by the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, UK, is a practical guide is for use by frontline extension staff, based on experience of facilitating CLTS in at least eight different countries in South and South East Asia and in East Africa.

“Sanitation and Cleanliness for a Healthy Environment”, addresses the different sanitation and hygiene needs of women and men. It gives communities information about how significant sanitation improvements can be made by better use of indigenous skills and local resources. Communities are offered a choice of affordable, safe, and environmentally sound sanitation alternatives. This booklet is designed to be an important part of a community-based initiative, stimulating communities to take charge of their sanitation development for a better life.
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