Observing how 'system unto system runs': WATSAN, dignity, Health, education and opportunity

Abstract

This paper is occasioned by the WIT inauguration of a new conference on Water and Society. It reviews some of the connections between water and sanitation (WATSAN) and human dignity, security, morbidity and mortality, education and community development. It draws on the authors' experiences in Ghana and published findings related to Millennium Development Goal (MDG) studies and relevant policy analysis efforts. The application of sustainable design and problem solving to help advance the MDGs through the design and introduction of an innovative toilet system is discussed. © 2011 WIT Press.