The provision of sanitation is a key development intervention – without it, ill-health dominates a life without dignity. Simply having access to sanitation increases health, well-being and economic productivity. Inadequate sanitation impacts individuals, households, communities and countries. Despite its importance, achieving real gains in sanitation coverage has been slow. Scaling up and increasing the effectiveness of investments in sanitation need to be accelerated to meet the ambitious targets agreed at Johannesburg.
This document describes the following key areas where action can be taken today to translate global commitments on sanitation and hygiene into reality:

Making political commitments Legislation and regulations
Building capacity to make a difference
Getting sanitation and hygiene right
Mobilising financial resources
Paying attention to gender and equity
Supporting small-scale entrepreneurs
Focusing on youth and using education Taking responsibility for the environment
Monitoring progress
Making information flow and strengthening partnerships