Sanitatsioon

Sanitatsioon, commonly translated as sanitation, refers to the set of practices, facilities, and services that enable the safe collection, transport, treatment, and disposal of human excreta and wastewater, while also promoting hygiene to prevent disease.

Core elements include toilets or sanitation facilities, networks or on-site systems for excreta and wastewater, safe storage and treatment of fecal sludge, solid waste management, handwashing facilities, and reliable water supply.

Effective sanitation reduces transmission of diarrheal diseases, intestinal parasites, and other infections, particularly when paired with hand hygiene and clean water. It is a central component of public health and is a key target of sustainable development goal 6, which seeks universal access to safe sanitation and clean water.

Infrastructure approaches vary by context. Centralized systems channel wastewater to treatment plants, while on-site solutions such as pit latrines, septic tanks, or composting toilets treat waste near the source. Emerging models include fecal sludge management, decentralized treatment, and ecological or containment-based sanitation to support urban and rural areas.

Governance and financing, operation and maintenance, and behavior change programs shape sanitation outcomes. Common challenges include rapid urban growth, affordability, groundwater protection, and climate-related risks. International guidance from WHO/UNICEF and national standards inform design, monitoring, and safety practices.