The first challenge for most countries is to define what sanitation really means. The second challenge is to decide what aspects are most important. Sanitation as a whole is a "big idea" covering everything from safe collection, and disposal of human excreta (FAECES and urine); to the management of solid wastes (trash or rubbish.) Each COMMUNITY, region or country must UNDERSTAND the most sensible and cost-effective way of thinking about sanitation, both in the SHORT and long term, then establish appropriate national plans and priorities, and LAST but not least - implement.

The first challenge for most countries is to define what sanitation really means. The second challenge is to decide what aspects are most important. Sanitation as a whole is a "big idea" covering everything from safe collection, and disposal of human excreta (faeces and urine); to the management of solid wastes (trash or rubbish.) Each community, region or country must understand the most sensible and cost-effective way of thinking about sanitation, both in the short and long term, then establish appropriate national plans and priorities, and last but not least - implement.