Lack of adequate drinking water and/or sanitation facilities coupled with poor hygiene, impacts negatively on the disease burden of millions of children and adults through: schistosomiasis, intestinal worms, hepatitus, typhoid and other diseases. The contamination of food and their lack of access to water, sanitation and hygiene services are also the leading causes of diarrhoea among children. This then in turn of course, aggravates poverty and has negative repercussions on productivity and well being. ​

       Diarrhea is primarily a symptom of viral, bacterial or parasitic intestinal infection as a result of the unsafe disposal of faeces and other waste. According to UNICEF​ 88% of diarrhoeal deaths are due to lack of access to safe drinking water, poor sanitation and hygiene. 

      Severe diarrhea can lead to fluid loss and dehydration which is especially likely to be life threatening in children and infants, malnourished people and those with compromised immunity. ​According to the World Hygiene Programme​, every year around 700,000 (2000 a day) children die from diarrhoea caused by poor water, sanitation and hygiene. Even when it doesn't kill it can impact on child stunting mentally and physically, affecting children for the rest of their lives.