Effects of toilet facilities on child health in rural Africa

For decades, scientists have evaluated the health impact of sanitation conditions by measuring rates of diarrheal disease. A new study shows that child growth improves after communities reduce open defecation. By Leslie Willoughby Stanford research associate Amy Pickering co-authored a study showing that baby and toddler growth improves with access to upgraded toilet facilities in rural Africa. Roughly one out of four people worldwide has no access to a toilet. A program underway in 50 countries could provide a solution, by motivating communities to build latrines and stop open defecation. The approach increases access to - and use of - sanitation facilities, according to a study co-authored by a Stanford researcher. Among the promising results of the effort, the researchers found that the practices improved child growth in the communities.